Tag Archives: Real Housewives of Orange County

Dec2

December 1, 2021 – Victor Makes a Thanksgiving Appearance, Fancy Pants Back In the OC, Three New Wives Plus One, She Ate My Bow & Rain

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Dante and Sam kiss, and Dante says, sorry; he overstepped. Sam says, no, she wants this too, and they kiss some more, then head upstairs.

Alexis, Shawn, Spencer and Esme have just finished some take-out Chinese, and Spencer thanks Alexis, saying, it’s a nice break from the traditional turkey. She says, all she did was order in from Noodle Buddha, and he says, she is the one with a working credit card though. She says, good point, and Esme says, she and Spence insist on cleaning up. They start to clear the table, and go to the kitchen. Shawn says, Alexis really doesn’t like Spencer’s girlfriend, does she? She says, it’s not about like. She just doesn’t trust Esme.

On the phone, Valentin thanks Mac, and says he expects immediate action to be taken on this matter. Tonight.

Ned tells Olivia, Scout inherited Drew’s shares when he was declared dead, but now that he’s alive, that calls into question Drew’s shares that he signed over to Valentin. She says, which means Valentin’s majority hold on ELQ is in question. He says, Valentin isn’t going to take this lying down, which means he has to act fast while Valentin is still recovering from the pain of realizing Bailey isn’t his daughter. Olivia looks at him, and he says, just say it. Tell him that he’s a jerk for even thinking about this when they just learned Drew is still alive, and Jason probably isn’t. She says she’s going to shock him, and not going to say any of that. She thinks where Valentin is involved, staying ahead of the situation is absolutely the right move.

Chase finds Brook outside, and asks, what’s going on? She was taking care of Bailey one minute, and then just bounced. She says she’s just overwhelmed, trying to process everything they just learned. Everything Drew told them, the miracle he’s alive, the fact that Jason isn’t. Plus, all their personal drama, and the fact that her dad is disappointed in her again, but the sacrifices they’re making for Bailey will be worth it in the end. They have to, because not everyone is so lucky. Not everyone is going home to their loved ones tonight.

Britt walks onto the footbridge, and tells Carly, sorry. She didn’t expect to find Carly there. She actually didn’t think anyone would be there. She just thought she could… She doesn’t know what she thought she could do here. Carly says she does.

On the phone, Sonny says, Cyrus! Realizing Cyrus is no longer there, he throws the phone, and says, you want a war, you bastard, I’ll give you a war.

Drew says Monica wasn’t kidding about Annabelle. She’s so big, she’s going to need a wing of her own. I laugh, because at first, I think he’s talking about a turkey wing, and I figure she’d already had a couple of them. Monica says, actually, she agrees with him. It took her a long time, but she’s finally fallen in love with that dog. He says, she never left Oscar’s side when he was sick, and Monica says, she laid on his bed for weeks after he was gone. Has Drew seen Sam or Scout? He must be anxious to get back to his old life.

Sam leads Dante to the bedroom, and they get busy. I’m not sure how they can concentrate with that loud music playing.

Drew tells Monica that he tried to concentrate on his life here to give him strength. Mostly Scout. Thinking about her got him through those brutal two years, but he can’t charge back into his life in Port Charles, and expect someone as young as Scout to welcome him with open arms. She says, a lot can change in two years, and he says, exactly his point. He doesn’t even know what a return to his life in Port Charles means. When he left, he was still trying to piece together his identity, and find where his place was in the world. She says, let her help him out. His place is here with his family.

Alexis comes out of her house to find Valentin on her porch. She says she thought she heard him talking out there, and he says, he was hoping her invitation to join the orphan Thanksgiving still stands. She asks why he’s not at the Quartermaines having pizza, and he says, change of plans. Charlotte’s with friends this year, and he’s second guessing his choice to be alone. She asks if there’s anything he wants to talk about before they go inside, but he says, no, and she says, let’s go. They go in, and she says, hey, everybody, make room for one more. Spencer asks what the hell Valentin is doing here.

Sonny tells Spinelli, Renault is in prison, and somehow got ahold of a burner phone. Spinelli says, Cyrus called Sonny from prison? On Thanksgiving? How distressing. Sonny says he needs Spinelli to figure out what’s going on, and Spinelli asks why Cyrus called. Sonny says, he probably heard about Jason, and called to taunt him. Spinelli says, heard about Jason? Is he back from Greece? Sonny says, Spinelli doesn’t know? and Spinelli says, know what exactly?

Carly says, she’s surprised Britt even knows about this place, and Britt says, when she and Jason were on the run, they had a lot of downtime. Carly asks if she knew the original bridge was torn down. It wasn’t safe, so Jason made an anonymous donation, and they built this bridge in its place. Britt says she didn’t know that part, but knowing this place had such significance to Jason, she thought she’d feel closer to him if she came here. She cries, and says she imagines Carly had the same idea. Carly says, long before the wedding they just had, long before Jax, even before she met Sonny, Jason was her other half, strange as that may sound. Britt says she knows. When she and Jason were in the lighthouse, he talked a lot about Carly. She laughs and says, well, a lot for Jason. She knows how much they meant to each other. She gets why Carly is there. Does she want Britt to go?

Brook says she knows what this is doing to Maxie, to Valentin, to everyone. How devastated Charlotte’s going to be when she finds out Bailey really isn’t her baby sister, not to mention what this is doing to Bailey. She’s bonding with the wrong woman as her mother. He says, what about her? Isn’t she hurting? She says, her part in this is basically telling some lies, a skill she acquired at a young age, and has nearly perfected. She’s taking care of Bailey, which surprisingly, she’s good at. He says, see? That’s his point. Valentin, Maxie, Charlotte, they’re sad right now, but one day, when this secret comes out, and Bailey goes back to Maxie, Brook is going to be the one who’s suffering. Has she thought about that? She says, fine. It’s going to hurt everyone, but after the information they just learned, that Peter is responsible for Jason’s death, that he kept Drew prisoner for over two years, it proves they’re doing the right thing keeping Bailey safe from Peter. They made the right decision. He says, now that Peter is in custody with the WSB, they won’t have to keep up this pretense much longer. He takes her hand, and she says, from his lips. Mac walks up, and Chase asks what he’s doing here. Mac says he’s sorry to bother the family on a holiday, but he needs to ask Chase some questions about Valentin.

Alexis reminds Spencer that it’s her house, and she likes Valentin. She knows Spencer doesn’t like him and they haven’t gotten along in a while, and Spencer says, the man tried to kill him when he was a child. Shawn guesses he missed a lot while he was away, and Valentin tells Spencer, that’s the way his father framed an event from his childhood. Alexis says, all right. It’s Thanksgiving, a day to be grateful, so if the two of them could put away their dueling resentments for a few hours, she’d be grateful. Spencer says, he’ll always be grateful, but in 2021, they finally learned the truth; that Valentin is Helena’s bastard child and has zero claim to anything Cassadine. Alexis tells him, that’s not being grateful, and Spencer says, Valentin shouldn’t even be able to use the last name Cassadine. The doorbell rings, and Alexis wonders, what fresh hell is this? and opens the door. Nikolas says, happy Thanksgiving, and Ava says, they brought pie… Is this a bad time? Alexis says, they have no idea. Nikolas says, they wanted to make sure she wasn’t alone tonight, and Ava says, that’s why they brought pie; pumpkin and pecan. Alexis says, that’s very generous, but as they can see, she’s far from alone. She opens the door, and they walk in. Ava says, happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and Nikolas says, maybe a quiet Thanksgiving at Windymere would be better. Spencer says, good idea, but Esme says, come on. It’s a holiday. This is his chance to show he’s the bigger man. Shawn says Alexis promised him that his Thanksgiving wouldn’t be boring. She sure delivered on that.

Ned says, Olivia thinks this is a good idea? Getting ahead of Valentin? She knows that’s equivalent to declaring war with him, right? She says, what his daughter did to Valentin, it hurt. He’s going to be mad and want revenge, and when the dust settles, of course (🍷) he’s going to try and undermine Drew’s shares of the Quartermaine stock. Ned says, he means this as a compliment; how very Quartermaine of her. She says, you can take the girl out of Brooklyn… he knows how the saying goes. She knows she can be reactionary, but over the past year, she’s slowly, but surely, come to realize Ned’s head is back on his shoulders again. She feels she can trust his intentions, not just with Leo, but with the family. He asks if that includes the two of them. Before they butted heads about Leo, he thought they were on their way to reconciliation. Where does that leave them now?

Drew says Monica has always been so incredibly kind to him, more than he deserves, especially considering the mess and trauma his arrival caused. She says, this family thrives on strife and drama. He wouldn’t be a Quartermaine if he wasn’t stirring things up. He says he sees she redecorated, and she says she thought it was time for a change. Does he like it? He says he likes it a lot, but he misses the family photos on the mantel. She says, her too. It was hard putting those away, but it was just always a reminder of everyone they’ve lost, and now Jason’s gone. She tears up, and he hugs her. She says, but sometimes it takes a new perspective to see things, or really see them. Willow came to her, and asked if she could put some pictures Wiley had drawn on the fridge. All of a sudden, she had this sense of family again. Soon there will be drawings Bailey did next to Wiley’s. They’ll never forget the ones they’ve lost, but they’ve got to find a way to move on with their lives. He says, somehow we do.

Basking in the afterglow, Dante says, that was… Sam says, a long time coming, and he says, that’s one way to put it, kissing her again. He says, it felt like the right thing to do, and she says, this big step had to be about the two of them first. Dante’s phone rings, and he says, it’s probably his mom, worrying why they flaked. They should make their families wait until tomorrow. Unless of course (🍷) she thinks he should take off tonight.

Ava tells Alexis that she’s sorry. She thought she was encouraging Nikolas to do a good thing. Alexis says, she’s not sure Nikolas can do a good thing anymore, even with an instruction manual. Ava says she doesn’t want to fight. She just came to check on Alexis, and see how she was doing. She’s sure Alexis remembers the significance of this day, other than it being a holiday. It’s been a year since they last saw Julian before he… Alexis says she must have blocked that anniversary. As Ava knows, things did not end well with her and Julian. Having said that, she knows he’s Ava’s brother and she misses him, and she’s sorry Ava is in pain. Ava thanks her, and Alexis says, now if Ava will excuse her, she’s going to try and make at least one person smile instead of cry before this dreadful holiday is over. The doorbell rings, and Alexis says, who could this be? Satan? She opens the door, and Victor says, hello, Natasha.

Alexis says, he’s… He says, late for dinner? He supposes he is. Is this any way to great a member of her family? She lets him in, and Spencer says, Uncle Victor, you’re alive, and hugs him. Victor says Spencer is all grown up. Quite a chip off the old block. Nikolas says, sorry. He should have warned them. Alexis says, he knew Victor was alive and didn’t say anything? How long has he known?

Spinelli tells Sonny, they just need to access the appropriate technology, a scan that can measure body temperature, and prove there are signs of life. They need to notify the Greek authorities. Sonny says, they did that already; there’s no sign of life. Even though they haven’t found a body, it doesn’t look good. They have to prepare themselves for the worst case scenario. Spinelli says, Sonny finally found his way home, and so did Drew, only for them to lose Jason. Sonny says, Jason knew the risk going to Greece. In this business, they’re provided with a great life, but it also turns them into people who take action. It’s always a risk. They can’t always take for granted  that they’re going to beat the odds and come home. Jason knew that. Spinelli says, Jason was never concerned about risk; he embraced it, but he truly never thought it would catch up with him. He cries, and Sonny hugs him.

Carly says, the footbridge is a public place. It’s not for her say whether Britt can use it or not. Britt asks if she should join Carly, and Carly says, she knows how important Britt was to Jason, and he was to her. Britt says, the last time they talked, Carly said she wished Jason had never met her, meaning he’d still be alive if their paths had never crossed. Carly tells Britt, she shouldn’t have said that; she’s sorry. I fall out of my chair in shock. Britt says, don’t be. She feels the same way. So whatever Carly feels about her, know that right now, she hates herself too.

Brook tells Mac, let her guess. Valentin is filing charges against her for fraud or something? Mac asks why she’d say that, and she says, no reason. She probably shouldn’t have had that second glass of wine with dinner. Chase asks what Mac is doing here. It’s Thanksgiving; he should be home. Mac says, he’d like to be, but when the PCPD has a formal complaint lodged against the department, he has to pay attention. He doesn’t know the whole story, but Valentin is saying one of his detectives assaulted him over a personal matter. Brook says, that’s ridiculous; Chase was just standing up for her. Mac says, there will be a time and place for Brook to give her version of things, but this is a serious matter, which is why he’s not with his family on this holiday. He needs to speak to Chase in private.

Alexis says, Nikolas knew Victor was alive, and didn’t think to tell her about it? Nikolas says, neither she nor Spencer were speaking to him, and he expected Victor to remain in prison. Spencer says Nikolas warned him away from Victor, but as they know, his word is good for nothing. He always thought Victor was a good man. Victor thanks him, and says, that means a lot. He’s sure they’re wondering why he’s here. He went to Windymere, but it was empty, so he came here, looking for the family he has left. He asks Alexis where her daughters are; he was hoping for a proper family reunion. She says, they had other plans, fortunately, and Victor looks at Valentin, saying, all is not lost. He had no idea Valentin and Natasha had gotten close enough to spend a holiday together. Alexis says she didn’t know Victor and Valentin were so close, but Valentin says, they’re not close. Victor is his father.

Olivia tells Ned, it’s a lot to unpack, but it’s different this time. Ned asks, why? and she says, this time she has hope. Over the course of the last year, there were a lot of times she didn’t have any. She thinks it’s a good sign. Is that enough for now? He says, it’s worth everything to him, and she says, one thing she does know is that she wants him in Leo’s life. Julian’s been gone a year, but even when he was alive, Ned was the most fatherly figure in Leo’s life. Despite what’s gone on between them, she regrets they didn’t make it official last year. He says, him too, and they hug. Monica comes in with Drew, and says she didn’t mean to interrupt, but Olivia tells Drew, if he’s hungry, he’d better jump on some leftover pizza; it goes quick. Monica says she’s right. If he wants to hit the pizza, go now before everyone starts on round two. She’ll have the staff get a room ready for him. He says, that’s not necessary, but she says, he needs them as much as they need him, and Ned says she’s right. They have a lot to catch up on.

Sam asks if Dante is going to just cut and run on her, but he says he’s not going anywhere. He didn’t want to be presumptuous. Rocco is spending the night, but if he’s there for breakfast, there are going to be a lot of awkward questions. Sam suggests they set an alarm extra early, and he can sneak out before the kids wake up… He asks where she went, and she tells him, she was going to say she wanted him to stay because she didn’t want be alone tonight, but that’s not true. She doesn’t want him to stay because she’s lonely. She wants him to stay because she wants to be with him. He says, that’s good. He wants to be with her too. So it’s settled then; he’ll stay.

Alexis tells Valentin, they knew Mikkos wasn’t his father. They also knew Helena had an affair with an unknown man. Victor says, that would be him, and Alexis says, eww. Him and Helena? Victor says he knows Alexis had issues with Helena. Of course (🍷) she did, Helena killed her mother, but he saw a different side to her. Valentin says, so if anyone needs it spelled out, that makes him 100% Cassadine bastard. He told Nikolas that he’d be eating his words. Spencer says, Nikolas knew about this? and Nikolas says, he knew Victor was alive, but had no idea he was Valentin’s father. Have they had DNA tests? Victor says, not yet, but he’s willing to, and Valentin says, as is he. And if it turns out to be true, the silver lining is he and Alexis are blood family. Spencer says he doesn’t believe his Uncle Victor would have a son like Valentin, and Nikolas says, he’s no fan of Valentin’s, but he thinks Spencer is putting Victor up too high. Spencer says he didn’t ask for Nikolas’s opinion, and Ava tells Nikolas that she thinks they should go. Nikolas says, good idea, and Valentin thinks he’ll go too, but Alexis says, no one is leaving until every dish is done. Nikolas says, he’ll stay if his son wants him too, and Spencer says, fine by him if Nikolas stays; he and Esme will go. Nikolas asks if everything has to be a grand gesture, and Spencer says, like Nikolas throwing him out of the house and saying Spencer is nothing to him? Talk about grand gestures, how about dressing up like a stalker and stabbing him? There’s no gesture there? Victor does a two-finger whistle, and says, he recognizes that blood feuds are something of a Cassadine tradition, but speaking as the patriarch of the family, that’s going to change starting today.

Chase goes back inside the mansion, and Brook says she’s gotten him into trouble with his boss, hasn’t she? How bad is it? He says, Mac suspended him from the force for six months.

Drew says, when Monica puts it like that, how can he say no? He thanks her, and she says he’s welcome, leaving to talk to the staff. Olivia goes to check on Leo, and Ned says, it’s his turn to welcome Drew back. It’s nothing short of a miracle, and one this family needs right now. They hug, and Ned says, at the risk of sounding mercenary, he wants to warn Drew that his return created complications with ELQ. Sorting it out is going to put a target on Drew for Valentin.  

Victor says, now that he has their attention, the Cassadines have been plagued for far too long with infighting and family members stabbing each other in the back. Spencer says, sometimes they stab you in the chest, and Victor says, his point exactly. Can’t they imagine how much stronger this family would be together? Alexis says, he’s been dead a long time; he’s missed a lot. There’s a lot of bad blood going on between them, especially in the last three months. He’s not going to be the one to patch the family together. Frankly, she doesn’t think anyone can. Victor says, he hopes for all their sakes, that’s not the case. There will always be threats to this family lurking in the shadows. He just hopes and prays they come to realize this family is a lot stronger with a united front, before those threats step into the light.

Sam looks out window. Dante realizes she’s not next to him in bed, and gets up. He puts his arms around her from behind.

Spinelli tells Sonny that he thinks he should be going home now. He’ll get right to tracing the call. Georgie is getting dropped off in the morning. Sonny says Spinelli can stay there tonight; Josslyn and Carly wouldn’t mind. Spinelli thanks him for his kind offer, but thinks he needs to sit with the news, so he can get in a better headspace for Georgie in the morning. Sonny says, they’re just a phone call away, and Spinelli thanks him. He starts to leave, but says, at the risk of speaking out of turn, he knows things were complicated between Jason, Sonny, and Carly after the negated wedding, and he’s glad things got sorted before… before they lost him. He leaves.

Carly tells Britt, she knows what Jason would want her to say. He’d want her to tell Britt that she doesn’t blame her. That was one of the many roles Jason played in her life. He had the ability to talk her down. With him gone, those generous thoughts don’t come natural. They’re drowned out by loss, and knowing Jason is gone and he’s not coming back. Britt says she understands that feeling, and Carly says she doesn’t want Britt to go. Britt walks to Carly, and puts her arm around her. They stand shoulder to shoulder.

Tomorrow, Olivia asks Dante if things are getting serious with Sam; Valentin tells Anna, if he hurts, Brook is going to hurt too; Carly asks what Sonny is going to do about it; and Brando says he has to prepare Sasha first.

Real Housewives of Orange County

Heather aka Fancy Pants is back, and we heard a whole lot about her house, and how fabulous her life is. And we heard aaalll about the kids. We heard about it for so long, I started wondering where everyone else was. Heather’s life is so important, we didn’t even get opening taglines. Gina and Emily also made it back this season, and Emily said they were best friends again. She thought their friendship had been off because they were at low points in their lives. Now Gina was happy and healthy and it was all good. Gina talked about Matt’s court case being delayed because of covid, and how their relationship got better by the time she had to give a victim impact statement. It was tough seeing him plead guilty. She was still seeing Travis though, so it wasn’t like they were getting back together.

I guess Shannon is the OG of the group now, and we had to hear about her kids. She said the kids growing up was a lot to handle sometimes. She was still the same hypochondriac, but somehow, John was still hanging in strong with her. Heather met with new Housewife and friend Nicole for a hike, and talked some more about her kids. We saw an actual roadrunner run across the road, so there was that. It did not, however, make a beep-beep sound. Heather told Nicole that Shannon had been texting her about past good times, and we flashed back to some past volatile times. Heather thought maybe it was like childbirth, and Shannon was only remembering the good parts, but thought everyone deserved another chance.

Emily had some work done, and brought Gina to new Housewife and aestheticist Dr. Jen. Gina said Dr. Jen was the whole package; educated, working full-time, and a mom, and she was doing it all in stilettos. Since Jen later said she’d die without her nanny, maybe she isn’t quite the whole package Gina thinks. Heather met with Nobu manager John about catering an upcoming. In her interview, she said, to her, a party was a theatrical experience, a complete immersion into fabulousness. We flashed back to some of those immersions, including the cake bow incident a skabillion years ago. (See below for the full story.) Shannon met Emily and Gina for lunch, and Emily said they were the new Tres Amigas. Shannon said she was looking at them in a new light, and Emily said they’d grown on her like barnacles. Shannon said Heather had told her about a friend named Nicole, and she thought she knew Nicole from their kids going to pre-school together. She’d dated Kid Rock. After meeting with John, Heather met Nicole and the final new Housewife Noella.

In Jen’s interview, I had to hear about a stranger’s kids, and husband Ryne who deals in high-end vacation rentals and catering. He gets a thumbs up from me because of the way he was cradling their Chihuahua, and the way the Chi looked up at him so lovingly. Shannon told Gina and Emily that she was hoping Nicole wasn’t the person she thought, since she’d sued Heather’s husband Terry. Why Heather wouldn’t know this, I’m not sure, but Shannon made them swear they wouldn’t say anything. I don’t know why any of these women would expect another to adhere to that promise, given past experience. It’s Season 16, and it hasn’t happened once.

Heather met Shannon and Gina for lunch, and then gave them a tour of her house, which was basically as big as a small city. When Heather was out of earshot, Gina asked if Shannon was cool, since she’d once had a house like that in the same area. In Shannon’s interview, she said the house she and David built had both good and bad memories, and we flashed back on those. She said it was triggering her, but it felt like a lifetime ago. She looked like she wanted to escape when Heather showed off her hot towel drawers, in a bathroom bigger than my entire first floor. Noella went to Nicole’s for lunch, and talked about how life didn’t suck being married to ambulance chaser attorney Sweet James. Sweet James? Really?

The women headed to Heather’s party, Shannon making Emily and Gina swear again that they wouldn’t say anything about Nicole. In Emily’s interview, she said it was typical Shannon behavior, causing trouble on the downlow. Then, if it came up later, she played the innocent victim. Gina didn’t understand Shannon’s endgame. Does anyone? Does Shannon even understand it?

Shannon thought she’d met Jen before, but it had been at a party, so the memory was fuzzy. We saw beautiful people in Heather’s beautiful house eating beautiful food and drinking beautiful drinks. In Gina’s interview, she said she thought it was the right thing to do to tell Heather about Nicole. She didn’t think she was capable of pretending it was okay. Then Nicole arrived. We saw flashes of Gina telling Emily that it was a disaster, and Heather kicking everyone out.   

Then, to be continued…

This season, horse races, fabulous vacations, and other rich people things no one in this cast deserves; lots of fights; Shannon is jealous of Gina’s friendship with Heather; Terry wonders if Shannon is harboring ill will from the past; and Noella says her life is falling apart.

👯‍♀️ New Girls…

The newest Housewives in the OC. Plus one who was demoted early on.

https://people.com/tv/rhoc-newcomers-shake-things-up-in-season-16-trailer-exclusive/

https://screenrant.com/housewives-orange-county-new-cast-season-16-facts/

https://meaww.com/who-nicole-james-rhoc-16-heather-dubrow-friend-terry-surgery-botched-demoted-dated-kid-rock

🎀 The Bow Incident…

I don’t remember much about this woman, but I sure remember the fuss Heather kicked up. She must have said, she ate my bow, ten thousand times.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/tbt-sarah-eats-the-bow-on-heathers-cake

🏂 Sliding Out Of This Page Like…

See you tomorrow for some soap and faux fur on the Runway. Until then, stay safe, stay being a queen, but not a drag, and stay not letting generous thoughts get drowned out by loss.

Nov19

November 18, 2021 – Carly Loses Her Mind About Nina, Small Business On the Runway, Million Dollar Highlights, What’s Shaking in OC & Pale

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Cassadine Island, Greece. Jason looks at The Chariot tarot card. He flashes back to Peter showing it to Drew, and saying, stand down. He messes with the shackles he’s in.

Britt and Obrecht are left alone. Britt tells her mother, it’s going to be okay. They’re going to get out of there. Obrecht says, she sounds confident, and Britt says she is. She slipped Jason The Chariot card. He’s going to be able to break through Drew’s conditioning. Obrecht says, the truth is, they can’t count on anyone but themselves. It’s up to them to get rid of Peter.

Sasha holds Brando’s hand as she goes through a contraction. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, never better. He says, strong one, huh? and she asks if they’re getting closer together. He says, not yet. It looks like they have some time before they meet their son. She tells him, say that again, and he says, there’s more time? She says, the other part, and he says, their son. She smiles. Elizabeth comes in, and asks how they’re doing. He says, according to mom, never better, and Elizabeth says that’s what she likes to hear. She’s going to be staying with them until Dr. Navarro is ready. Brando says he’s going to get coffee, and asks if Sasha wants anything. More ice chips? She says she doesn’t need anything, and he says he’ll be right back. He tells the baby to stay put until he gets back, kisses Sasha’s belly, and leaves. She flashes back to Brando saying she and the baby are all he wants, and kissing him.

Sonny sees Brando by the elevator, and asks how Sasha is doing. Brando says, handling labor like a champ, and Sonny asks how he’s doing. Brando says, happy, excited, nervous, terrified… Did he say happy? Sonny says he did. That all sounds exactly right.

Carly goes stomping over to Nina, and Willow wisely grabs Wiley, and gets him the hell out of there. Carly asks, what’s it going to take to keep Nina away from Wiley? A restraining order? She’s calling the cops. Here Nina is, fresh out on bail, and she’s harassing Willow and Wiley? Nina says she’s doing no such thing; not even close. Willow returns, having deposited Wiley with a caregiver.

Valentin’s phone rings, and Gladys says, don’t answer that. He asks, why? and she says, it’s Brook. He looks at the phone, and sees she’s right, and asks, what if something is wrong with the baby? Gladys says, the baby is fine. Brook is going to try and talk him out of listening to her, and that would be a travesty for him and that little girl.

Austin asks Maxie to just level with him. Tell him the truth. Are she and Brook in some kind of trouble? Brook runs past on the phone, leaving Valentin a message to call her back immediately.

Willow tells Carly, no need to call the police. Nina wasn’t harassing her; not at all. Carly asks if Nina followed her here, and Willow says that never occurred to her. This is beyond stupid, since Nina was there in the middle of a phone call when Willow came along. Nina tells Carly, she was there for the Fall Fair; she was picking something up for Phyllis. Willow says she ran into Nina, that’s all. It’s perfectly innocent. Nina even offered to leave. Carly says, Willow let her stay? Willow says, Wiley was excited to see her, and Carly says she just finished talking to Phyllis, and she was defending Nina. Now here Nina is trying to worm her way back into Wiley’s life, as if she has any right to it. Nina says she doesn’t have to report to Carly, but here it goes. She hasn’t seen Wiley since the day she returned to Port Charles. This was an accident. Carly says the next time Nina accidentally runs into Wiley, walk away. Better yet, turn around and run. Willow tells Carly, that isn’t her decision to make. Carly not letting it go, even though everyone is telling her to, makes me think of a credo I go by. If someone calls you an ass once, shrug it off, but if more than one person calls you an ass, start looking in the mirror for the ears and tail.

Brando says, this dad thing’s a little overwhelming, and Sonny says, that’s one word for it. Brando says, they’re not even done with the birthing part yet, and Sonny asks why he thinks they call it labor? It’s going to be one of the hardest and greatest things he ever has to live through. Can he imagine? You’re watching the woman you love struggle to bring a baby into the world, and all you can do is hold her hand and tell her to breathe. But when it’s over, and you got that little baby, it changes everything. For the better. It’s all right. Sonny hugs Brando, and says he’s going to do it. It’s all going to be worth it. Brando says he can’t wait.

Elizabeth tells Sasha, everything looks good. Her blood pressure is a little elevated, but that’s not abnormal. Sasha asks how she does it, and Elizabeth says, do what? Sasha says she’s overwhelmed at bringing one child into this world, and Elizabeth has three. Elizabeth says, the first one is definitely the biggest adjustment, but you do adjust… and learn and grow and love. Sasha says she’s getting that sense. She already loves this little guy so much, and she hasn’t even met him yet. Elizabeth says, just wait. She has no idea.

Brook wonders why Valentin isn’t answering his phone. Maxie goes over to her, and asks, what’s going on? Keep in mind they have an audience. Brook asks if she’s seen Gladys, and Maxie says, no; why? Brook says, all hell broke loose at the art exhibit. Gladys found out Kip isn’t really the baby’s father. Maxie asks, how? and Brook says, does it matter? She said there’s no stopping her this time. She’s going to tell Valentin the truth. Maxie asks what Brook is still doing standing there, and Brook says, excellent point, and jets.

Valentin says Gladys has his attention. Although he’s not sure why, given the fruitless nature of their previous meeting. Gladys says she’s sorry. She should have told him the truth then. She was intimidated by some cater waiter actor buffoon. He says, let him guess, Brook was the mastermind, and she says, bingo, but she couldn’t let fear keep her from doing the right thing. He wonders if she can do it without so many words, and she says, Brook’s been lying to him.

Austin says, that looked intense, and Maxie says, you know Brook. He says, it also looked familiar. That’s the second time in a short while he’s seen Brook scurry away in a tizzy, and the second time Maxie seemed to be involved. Maxie says, just spit it out. What exactly does he think she and Brook are up to?

Britt tells Obrecht, here’s the good news. Peter isn’t going to kill either one of them. He knows he can’t get Maxie back by any rational means; he’s going to have to brainwash her. Something, unfortunately, Obrecht knows how to do. Obrecht says she’s not an expert like Britt’s father was, but she has a firm enough grasp. Britt says, Peter’s counting on that. He’s going to order Drew to kidnap Maxie and bring her back to him, and have Obrecht program her to love him. She can’t believe she’s even saying these words. Obrecht says, Peter can only get her to do it by threatening Britt, and Britt says, exactly. She’s his leverage. Peter needs Obrecht, and to force her to cooperate, he needs Britt. It’s going to keep them both breathing. Obrecht says, for now.

The guard comes in, and tells Jason, time’s up, Morgan.

Sasha says, this is probably a dumb question, but Elizabeth says, there are no dumb questions. Sasha says, there’s no way to predict how long her labor will be, is there? and Elizabeth says she wishes she did. Every labor is tough, especially with the first one. It could be hours, it could be a day… Brando comes in, and says, a whole day? and Sasha asks if he’s sick of her already. He says, never, handing her a cup of ice chips, and asks what he missed. Elizabeth says, just another contraction, and Sasha says, but the baby kept his word and is still in there. He says, good man. He saw Sonny; he sends his best. Sasha says, that’s sweet. What else did he say? Brando says Sonny told him this is going to change everything, but in the most amazing way. She says she already knew that, and he says, him too. She says, but it’s nice to hear it again.

Nina picks up her shopping bag, and says, maybe it’s time to finish up the shopping that she came there to do. Carly says, that’s thoughtful of her, and Nina leaves. Carly asks if Willow bothered to call Michael, to see if he thought this surprise meeting was a good idea, and Willow says she didn’t. It was spontaneous; it happened. Carly says, if it happens again, is Willow going to protect her son? She gets that Willow is trying to keep the peace, but does she need to remind Willow about the first time Nina spent time with Wiley? She told him Nelle was his mommy, not Willow. Is she really going to expose Wiley to that kind of pain and confusion again?

Obrecht says, so far, she’s disappointed in Jason, and Britt says, who risked his life to save her, even though Obrecht has a long history of terrorizing people he cares about? Obrecht says, that was very kind, although she knows he did it for Britt. He’s got a thing for her, and she doesn’t want Britt thinking he feels sorry for her. Britt says she knows he doesn’t. She doesn’t think he sees her differently. He accepts her as she is, before and after her diagnosis. Obrecht says, then why doesn’t he get a move on and kill that schwein Peter, and get them the hell out of here? Britt says, if that doesn’t happen, for whatever reason, they need to talk. Sooner or later, Peter’s going to let his guard down with one or both of them. They need to agree now. When that happens, and they get the opportunity, they kill him. Obrecht says, of course (🍷) they do, and Britt says, no matter the cost. She doesn’t care if there are five guards holding guns on her, kill the bastard. She means it. She’s going to die anyway, and they have to stop him. So if one of them sees a weapon or an opening, they use it. Deal? Obrecht says, deal. Peter pops in, and says, sorry for the delay. They’ll be on their way as soon as his guards confirm Jason is dead.

The guard tells Jason, don’t worry; he’ll make it quick. He takes out his gun, and Jason knocks him to the floor, still cuffed, getting him in a headlock. The guard slips into unconsciousness, and Jason gets the key. He undoes his shackles and handcuffs. He takes the guard’s gun, and leaves.

Austin says, if he knew what Maxie was up to, why would he ask? She says, maybe he’s the type of person who likes to test people, and he says, if he were, would she pass? She asks, what’s the subject? and he says, deception, and he’s not talking about the company. She says, deception about what? and he says, here’s what he knows for certain. Brook has been a real nervous Nelly in the last few weeks. On more than one occasion, he’s seen them put their heads together, and speak in hushed tones, and the other day, he saw Maxie hand a wad of cash to some guy with a gun. She says, that was a prop; he was an actor. He says, okay, cool, but why did she give him money?

Valentin tells Gladys, he already knows Brook is up to something. He just doesn’t know what it is. She says, he really can’t guess? and he says, he doesn’t like guessing games. She says, it’s a tale as old as time, when Brook walks in, saying, thank God she found Gladys. Gladys asks, why so worried? and Brook says she didn’t want Gladys to think she locked her in the back room at the gallery. She swears it wasn’t her. Gladys asks, who was it then? but Brook has no clue. She thinks she and Gladys should talk, because she’s come up with some really unique and generous ways to meet Gladys’s needs. Gladys says she sees. Brook wants to play nice. It’s too late. She gave Brook plenty of chances, and she blew them all. Brook says, just listen to her, but Valentin interrupts, thanking Gladys for stopping by. He asks for a moment alone with Brook, and Gladys tells him, don’t let Brook snow him. He’s too smart for that. She leaves, and Valentin says, it’s obvious she’s blackmailing Brook. Does she want to tell him why?

Brando says, talking to Sonny got him thinking. What does she think about Mike as their baby’s middle name? She says, Mike as in Sonny’s father? and he says, Mike was around a lot when he was a kid, and he always looked up to him. They lost touch for a long time, but he got to know Mike toward the end of his life, and admired him all over again. Sonny’s always been good to him, and he’s also Michael. She says she loves it; it’s perfect. He was such a wonderful man, kind of like someone else she knows. He asks if he should be jealous, and she says, of himself? She’d advise against it. Elizabeth comes in, and hands Brando a roller, saying, if Sasha gets uncomfortable, he gets to massage her back. Sasha says she feels wonderful right now. Maybe a little impatient. Daddy’s here; let’s get this show on the road. Elizabeth says, if she takes a walk, it might help induce labor, and would probably help with the intensity too. If she has a contraction, stop and relax; don’t try to move through it. Sasha says she’s not sure she could, and Brando asks if she wants to take their baby for a spin. She tells him, try to keep up, and he says he’ll do his best. He and Elizabeth help Sasha out of bed.

Willow tells Carly, Nina learned her lesson. She doesn’t expect Nina will do anything like that again. She understands Carly is trying to protect Wiley; she is too. Carly says, by letting him play with Nina, the woman who kept Sonny away from him, away from all of them? Willow says, this situation isn’t easy for her either. Wiley spotted Nina and reached out to her. What would Carly have her do? Let Wiley cry because he isn’t allowed to see someone who makes him happy? Carly says, that woman hurt Wiley’s entire family. Is that not a consideration for her?

Sonny sees Nina.

Obrecht tells Peter, there’s a much easier way to do this. Once Jason is dead, he won’t be a problem anymore. Peter says, that’s usually how it works, and she says, Jason can’t stop him or hinder his plans. Let Britt go, and she’ll come with him voluntarily. It’s not like everyone doesn’t think she’s rotten anyway; it’s not like she’ll be missed. He says, and she’ll just do what he asks in terms of Maxie just because? She says she’ll do what he asks because if she has to choose  between Maxie and Britt, she’ll choose her daughter every day of the week. He has her word. He says, that is a really great offer, if he trusted her to make good on it. He doesn’t. He tells the guard that they can’t wait any longer. Grab them, and let’s get out. Jason appears, and shoots the guard, and says, don’t move. Drew is suddenly there, and puts a gun on Jason, and says, don’t move.

Brook says, Gladys doesn’t know what she’s talking about, and Valentin says, that’s not an answer. Brook says, Gladys thinks she knows something, but she doesn’t. He closes the door, and says, about Bailey? She said Brook is lying to him about his daughter. Brook says, my God. There’s nothing that woman wouldn’t say or do for money; she’s disgusting. He can’t trust a word she says. He asks if he can trust Brook, and she says, of course (🍷). He says, Austin was already there, and said she was up to something. He’s got a bad feeling. She says, please, and he says, he can’t be right. Brook wouldn’t hurt him that bad just to get her hands on some damn stock.

Drew takes Jason’s gun, and Peter says he’s waited a long time to say these words – kill him. Britt says, no, and distracts Drew for a moment, giving Jason a chance to grab Drew’s gun hand. They struggle, and Obrecht picks up Jason’s gun, but Peter grabs Britt. He says, drop it, or she dies. Obrecht says, he wouldn’t, and he asks if she’d like to test that theory. He asks how her grandson is; James is probably missing his oma right about now. Britt says, do it, but Obrecht puts the gun on the table. Drew and Jason continue to fight, and Peter says, they’re leaving. Now. He takes Britt, and Obrecht follows. Drew slams Jason up against the fireplace.

Maxie tells Austin, so this suspicion is happening because he sees her with her friend a lot, and she gave an actor money? He says, that, and what Gladys said. She says, he’s had more conversations with Gladys? and he says, she’s a very chatty woman. She asks what Gladys said, and he tells her, she’s holding something over Brook’s head, and it has to do with Valentin. He doesn’t know for certain what it is, but he could guess. She asks if he told anyone about this, and he says, only Valentin. Because that’s the only right thing to do.

Brook says, how it started is not how it ended, and he asks what they even means. She says, yes, it was a cynical undertaking at first. She wanted to use the baby to take over ELQ, but that was before she knew how much he’d love her. How much Bailey would love him, and how much she’d love them together. She starts to cry, and says, you know how it is when you put something in motion. It takes on a life of its own, and becomes something that you didn’t intend it to be, but this became something so much more important. Isn’t that what matters? Their family, what they have now. Valentin says, not if it isn’t real.

Sasha tells Brando, Elizabeth was right; walking does ease the pressure. He stops, looking at her, and she says, what? He says, she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, and she laughs. She says, right now, in her hospital gown, waddling through the corridors? He says, right now, and she doesn’t waddle. She says, that’s good to know. They’ll be decent parents, right? Their son will grow up knowing he’s safe, cared for, and loved. He says, that’s the plan. No? She says, that is the plan. It’s just that word makes her laugh. He says, planning was never their strong suit, and she says, can he believe this is happening? From a one-night stand in his garage to this. He says, just for the record, he can’t be happier, and she says, her neither. Let’s do it. My Lord, she’s so huge, you’d think she was having triplets.

Nina says she’s doing everything in her power to stay away from Sonny and his family. He asks, what happened? and she says she accidentally ran into Willow and Wiley, and she was talking to Wiley. Then Carly shows up, and loses her mind. She’s not sorry about seeing her grandson, but she is sorry if she’s causing him and his family more problems. Carly appears, and says, Nina’s not sorry for any of it, but she will be. Nina asks if Carly is threatening her, and Carly says, damn right she is, under no uncertain terms. Nina says, Michael had her arrested. What more does Carly want? Does she want to draw blood? Carly says, if it comes to that, hell yeah, but Sonny says, Nina knows the rules. There’s no need to fight or draw blood, okay? Carly asks what they’re going to do about Nina’s continued presence in Wiley’s life, and he tells Carly, she said it was an accident. Carly says, he believes her? Willow comes back with Wiley, and Carly runs over, saying, hey. Willow says, since Wiley’s grandparents are arguing, she’s going to take him home. She tells Wiley to say goodnight, and Sonny says, you going home, big boy? Carly tells him, sweet dreams. She loves him. He says he loves her too, and Nina stays where she is, looking sad.

Sasha says, Cornelius, and Brando says, Heathcliff, and no shortening it to Heath. She says, Barnstable, and he says, Aloysius. She says, Boniface, and he says, Hamlet. She says, Elmo, and he says, Elmo? She says, that’s the one he has a problem with? and he says, they can’t name their kid after a puppet. She says, okay, but they can name him Alo… oooh. She doubles over, and says she needs to get back.

Jason and Drew continue to tussle. Jason knocks Drew down, and gets on his back. He  takes out the tarot card, puts it in Drew’s face, and says, stand down. Drew snaps out of it, and Jason says, Drew? Drew says, yeah; it’s him. Jason asks what number he was in high school football, and Drew says, he was 82. Jason gets off of Drew, and Drew sits up, looking around. He says, what the hell?

Maxie says, she’s sorry, but when did Austin become the authority figure on the right thing to do? Was it before or after he took advantage of Chase, to be his spy in the Quartermaine house? He says, that sounds like Brook’s version of the story, and she asks if she got that wrong. He didn’t take advantage of Chase? Because here they have a guy who almost died, and is still stuck in a wheelchair, learning how to walk, and he finds out his wife is involved with Michael. Maybe Austin did think the best way for Chase to get over that pain was to betray the Quartermaines and go through Edward’s private paper. Austin says, he was trying to claim his father’s rightful inheritance, and she says, by using Chase. Austin says, he’s not the one who hurt Chase. Michael did when he slept with his wife. She says, that’s what she finds so interesting about this. Willow and Michael lied to Chase out of love and concern. Austin used him to get his hands on ELQ stock, and he’s the one who did the right thing? He says, in hindsight, he probably could have handled the situation better, and she says, what about Gladys? Can he honestly tell her that he enjoys chatting with her? Because it kind of looks like he’s working her for information; something he can dig up, and take to Valentin. From her point-of-view, he’s using Gladys to get back at Brook, but she’s obviously wrong, because he’s doing the right thing

Brook tells Valentin, this is what’s real. The way Bailey grabs his finger when she falls asleep; the way she lights up like a Christmas tree when he sings to her. And when she tries to sing back in that ridiculously adorable babble of hers. That’s real. Listen to her. Gladys is a horrible woman. She’s angry and nasty grasping. Why listen to anything she has to say? Why let her ruin something that’s really working. Maybe better than anything has ever worked in her entire life. She cries, and says, she’s not talking about the stupid company. She’s talking about her and him and bedtime stories. And Charlotte, and how amazing she is with her little sister. Why let Gladys’s awful insinuations poison something so beautiful. Please don’t do it.

Sonny says goodnight to Wiley, and Nina says she’s sorry to put Willow in such an awkward position. Nina waves goodbye to Wiley, and Willow tells him, it’s time to go. They leave, and Sonny tells Carly, she has to let it go. It was an accidental meeting. Nobody got hurt. She says, not tonight, but he got hurt. She did too. Their whole family was hurt. Doesn’t he care about that? Why is he defending Nina?

Jason picks up his gun, and Drew asks, what happened? How bad did it get? Jason says, Peter took off with Britt and her mother. Drew checks out the guard, and says, he’s alive; he’s just out cold. Jason says, good. No one else deserves to die because of Peter August. Jason says, there’s a small boat with a working motor. It’s on the southeast side of the island. It’s about three miles across open sea to the next island, but Drew is a Navy SEAL. Drew says he can probably make it, but Peter has at least five other guards out there. He’s going to need some back-up. Jason gives him a gun, and Drew asks if he’s sure about this. Jason tells him, like he said, he’s going to need some back-up. Drew takes the gun, and they leave.

Peter brings Obrecht and the others through the wine cellar, and Obrecht asks if they’re picking up some wine for their trip. Peter says, there’s a passage that leads to the water where a boat is waiting. Britt sees the guard on the floor, and asks if they should help him out, but Peter says, there’s no time. Obrecht says, at least tell them where they’re going, and he says they’re going somewhere no one can find them, except for Drew because he’s bringing Maxie. Now move. They go through the passageway.

Brando tells Sasha, she’s got this; she’s doing great. Just breathe. That was a bad one? She nods, and says, it still is. Elizabeth asks if she’s still in contraction, and Sasha says, it isn’t over. Elizabeth asks if she has pain anywhere else, and Sasha says, her back and stomach. Brando asks Elizabeth if Sasha is okay. How’s her blood pressure? Elizabeth says, it’s high, and Brando says, too high? Elizabeth says she’s going to get Dr. Navarro to weigh in on this. She’ll be right back. She leaves, and Sasha says, that’s a little better. He says he hopes nothing is wrong, but she says, don’t worry. Childbirth is notoriously painful, and hard. That’s why they call it labor. He says he doesn’t think labor is strong enough. It needs a new name. She says, that’s it, and he says, what? She says, Laborious Mike Corbin, and he says, it does have a ring to it. She says, she’s a genius, and he says, he’s the one who gave her the inspiration. She says, she’s having his baby, and he says, she is? Why didn’t she say anything?

Maxie starts to walk away, and Austin asks where she’s going. She says, anywhere but here sounds good. He says, Maxie, and she says, don’t Maxie her. She gave him every opportunity, not to mention benefit of the doubt, but he’s on some crusade to take Brook down. He says, that’s not true, and she says, really? He’s essentially interrogated her for the last half hour over something that has nothing to do with him. Then, he told her, with pride, that he went tattling to Valentin. She doesn’t know how else to say it to him. Brook is her friend. He says he’s aware, and she says, and as of now, he’s not. So mind his own business, and stay out of theirs.

Valentin says, he liked Brook. he liked her the moment he met her. And the shared the most amazing one-night stand. She says she’s flattered, and he says, and then she got pregnant. In the last several months, he’s come to see her in a different light, and appreciate her as a mother, partner, and friend. She says she appreciates him too, and he says, they shared some amazing moments. We flash back to Valentin meeting Bailey for the first time, and them agreeing they’ll give Bailey a great life. He says he trusted her. Charlotte and Bailey bonded as sisters. There’s the problem. If it was just him, fine, let things go on the way they are, but there are two other people he’s got to think about; Charlotte and Bailey. And for them, he’s got to know. Bailey’s not his, is she?

Tomorrow, Willow asks Michael if that’s so impossible to understand, Elizabeth says something is seriously wrong, Carly asks Sonny to help her understand, and Drew says if he kills someone, that’s just a bonus.

Project Runway

In Katie’s interview, she said it was her 4th time at the bottom, but her parents had instilled a lot of confidence in her. She felt pumped, and ready to show who she was. Christian told the designers to grab a box. Each one had a different accessory in it from a top NYC accessory designer. The goal was to support small businesses that had taken a downturn in the pandemic, and they would be doing a one-time collab with a designer to create a brand new look and a brand new accessory. Christian said, accessories got him to the next level, and the more customers the better. Shantall started crying, thinking of how getting a business off the ground was similar to her family coming there, and starting from scratch. Christian said the pandemic had been tough, but they were getting through it. The winning designer and accessory designer would split $25K. In addition to the usual trip to Mood, they were also going to a unique store for any special embellishment they liked. The designers opened their boxes to reveal handbags, gloves, jewelry, hats, and shoes. Bones was already familiar with his partner Ashaka Givens, who he said did amazing sculptural hats. He had an idea for a water woman, who characterized the magical moment when the sea and sand touched. Octavio’s designs had walked the red carpet with the headwear designer he was partnered with.

The designers had $400 and 30 minutes to spend in Mood. Christian pointed out that everything Coral made had been black, which is kind of ironic considering her name. Afterward, they went to Hai Trim, where they could spend $250 on notions. When I lived in Manhattan, my apartment was not in a residential area, and there were a lot of trim stores where we often bought beads and such, or things like feathers for Halloween costumes. They’re so much fun to look around in. Aaron decided to take a risk by doing a bathing suit to show off a handbag. The quote of the night was from Bones, who said, if only people knew how long it takes to make a ruffle. Chasity (who I’ve been calling Chastity – sorry) said she thought people underestimated Anna because she was quiet, but it was the quiet ones you had to watch out for. Christian made his tour, and said he didn’t want to force anything on Katie, but suggested making her long dress a mini to give it a more modern look. Bones said it was like two melding worlds. Zayden’s partner called him, saying the rent was due, and in Zayden’s interview, he talked about how he had been homeless when he won a scholarship to fashion school, and all the sacrifices he’d made. I suddenly wanted him to win.

The guest judge was Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Octavio had worked with headwear designer Rodney Patterson who said it was a match made in heaven. His outfit was larger than life, and the model carried one of those round vintage suitcases I love. I also loved Bones’s water woman in layers of blue, white, and grey, topped with Ashaka’s pearly hat. Coral also worked with a hat, from Lynn Paik, and had created a sheer red number, adding touches of her macrame skills. Kristina did a three-piece suit, showcasing shoes by Lauren Brinkers. To pay tribute to an inside joke about a paper bag, she’d also created a handbag that was basically an elevated paper bag. This turned out to be an unintentional bonus, since the judges loved it. Katie had settled on a high/low hem, to complement shoes by Rebecca Heykes. I hated to say it, but it was the same old from Katie, although the print was pretty and the shoes rocked. Shantall had created a red dress using a brooch from Aziza Abdullah Nicole at the beltline. I’m a huge brooch fan, and would love to see more of them worked into wardrobes. Zayden made a caftan style dress to go with a bag by Akilah Stewart, who added matching fabric to the bag. Aaron, who’d gone with the bathing suit, said his companion bag by Lorna Nixon was the Swiss Army knife of handbags, peaking my interest. I wondered if tools popped out of it. Chasity worked with an Andres Quintero Betancourt bag, but I thought her black two-piece pantsuit was boring. One of the most beautiful accessories was a chainmail piece by Sally Reardon that was a necklace, but also went over the shoulders. Anna created a dress that incorporated it, and since she’d needed nothing from Hai Trim, she wore a chainmail headpiece she’d purchased there. When it came down the runway, Steven was visibly into it. Last, but for sure not least, Prajje had made a 40s/50s retro number, with a matching turban. Pretty, but low key, the showpiece being gloves by Katie Sue Niklos. And like Prajje said, they weren’t just gloves; they were gloves. Elbow length, adorned with incredible flowers – like, actual 3-D flowers, not a print – and faux gems. Prajje said he was simply the messenger. Brandon said it was a great show. I always think even the worst of them is great, since sewing isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse. I did okay in home ec, and also made a couple of costumes for myself for shows in high school, but that’s about the extent of it. Oh yeah, I made a halter top once. I probably don’t need to tell you how easy those are to make. I still have it though.

Anna, Aaron, Chasity, and Shantall were safe. The started with Prajje, who was at the top, Elaine welcoming him back to the winner’s circle. He said he’d thought of his grandmother, dressed to the nines for church. Steven said the outfit was sophisticated glamor, as well as timeless. It could be worn by Jackie O. or Lady Gaga. On the low end was Zayden, who’s mistake seemed to have been detracting from the bag with other accessories. Nina said the dress didn’t deserve to be on the bottom, but the styling was too much. Elaine reminded him about Coco Chanel’s advice to always take one thing off before leaving the house. (Yeah, I don’t listen to that one either.) Also at the top was Coral, who was technically meeting the judges for the first time, since she’d been safe, but in the background. Nina said she’d been impressed with the macrame touches Coral always added. Brandon said whoever wore her piece would be on the Best Dressed List, and Steven said he could see the look on the red carpet. Unfortunately, Bones was on the low end, Elaine telling him that the model was swimming in fabric. She couldn’t imagine who would wear it. Ouch. Nina thought he had no focus, and had overshadowed the accessory. Katie was on the bottom yet again, Elaine suggesting Katie might have chosen a fabric of lighter weight or something sheer. Steven said it was too heavy on the top, and Brandon thought the high/low hem made it seem like she wasn’t sure about the dress. Kristina was on top, with an honorable mention for the paper bag. Nina said it was cohesive, head to toe, and runway ready. Steven said it was also versatile, since the top, pant, and jacket could be worn separately. Also at the top was Octavio, Nina saying the challenge was made for him. Steven said Octavio’s outfit was a lesson in geometry, and had natural movement. Brandon called it, larger than life.

The judges deliberated. In choosing the winner, Nina said that Prajje’s creation was borderline costume, but I wasn’t sure how it couldn’t be, when the gloves were so dramatic. On the losing end, she said she didn’t think Katie trusted herself. The bottom line was, they were choosing who they’d be investing in, and who would have more longevity in their career.

Kristina was the winner, along with Lauren Brinkers, and seemed pretty surprised. She said she had no words, and high-fived Bones. In her interview, she said it felt great. When you were trying to say something, and the judges saw that, it was everything. Nina told Zayden, he was safe, but always take off one thing. She said that Katie was continuously listening to voices that weren’t her own, and the look had embodied it. Bones had too many ideas going on. Then Nina did that thing I hate. She said, Bones… you are in. It’s like a throwback to the early American Idol days, when they were allowed to torture people. Katie said she appreciated the opportunity, especially since she hadn’t even gone to fashion school. Elaine said she hoped Katie would get a clear sense of her capabilities, and trust herself to explore her range. In Katie’s interview, she said she regretted letting other voices crowd out her own, and Christian said she found herself a little bit. He knew she had a customer out there, and would find them and have a moment. Katie said she was going to start a clothing brand when she got back, and her advice was, trust your own voice.

Next time, an avant-garde challenge, a car accident, and Billy Porter as guest judge.

💰 Highlights. I caught some of Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, since they reran it tonight. It looked like JoshA and Fredrik were on a roller coaster ride, co-listing with seller rep Yuri. First, Yuri wanted Fredrik out, but JoshA told him, they came in together, and they were selling it together. It was both or neither. (More niceness!) He and Fredrik talked about being Thelma and Louise, but they both wanted to be Thelma. JoshF showed a property that once belonged to Doris Day that had a massive 30,000 square foot backyard. He closed the deal during a brunch hosted by Tori Spelling, where he and the buyer were both guests. Yuri ultimately got rid of both JoshA and Fredrik when the property was taken off the market. In his interview, JoshA said it had been three months of work, and he and Fredrik were each out $25K. Remember that the next time you want to be a realtor. Looking on the bright side, Fredrik said, there’s always the next one.

🍊 Paging the OC…

RHOC is back on December 1st, along with Heather Dubrow.

https://pagesix.com/2021/10/28/heather-dubrow-says-rhoc-was-blue-collar-before-she-joined/

Emily talks trailer.

Emily Simpson Says RHOC Trailer “Left Out Most Dramatic Moments” From The Upcoming Season

If you haven’t seen it.

Heather Dubrow Reigns Supreme In Real Housewives Of Orange County Season 16 Trailer

Eww!

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/shannon-storms-beador-daughter-sophie-double-date-boyfriends-photos

🏋️ Power Napping Through Life…

Come and set a spell tomorrow for a little soap, a little tea, and even some knowledge. Until then stay safe, stay comfortable in yourself, and stay remembering there are no dumb questions. Although you might come along a dumb answer or two.

Nov13

November 12, 2021 – Chase Starts To Figure It Out, G’Day Mate, a Patriarch Departs, Returning Wife, Freed, Quantum Goodbye, More Games, a Balanced Number Of Quotes & Rose Hip

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Sonny sees Spencer at Kelly’s, and says, when Josslyn told him Spencer was getting a job there, he almost didn’t believe her. He’s a workin’ man. Congratulations. Spencer says, congratulations for what? Having a job that needs no experience, and pays accordingly? Sonny says, everybody’s got to start somewhere. He didn’t start at the top. But he’s working; how does it feel? Spencer says, like the worst mistake he ever made in his life.

At the hospital. Maxie says, good morning, to Austin. He returns the greeting, and asks what she’s doing there. Wasn’t she there last night? She says she was, but Bobbie’s car broke down, and she gave her a ride. She thought since she was in the building, she’d say hello, but if he’s busy… He says he’s sorry. He had a really terrible night last night, but it’s nice to see her. Chase walks in and says, Maxie’s saved him a trip to the Deception office. He needs to speak with her and Austin. Austin says they’re kind of in the middle of something, and Chase says, something more important than finding Maxie’s missing daughter?

Valentin flashes back to Austin telling him that Gladys thinks Brook is pulling a scam on him. Gladys comes to his room, and asks how he does it. He must be exhausted, but still looks incredibly handsome. He tells her, what can he say? When she’s around, he perks right up.

Portia goes to The Savoy, and Curtis tells her, good morning, and kisses her. She says, it is now. She’s so happy for him. The audience reaction to the artist was amazing. The Savoy was already on its way to being one of the best spots in town, but last night kicked it into another gear. Curtis says, in more ways than one, and she asks what he means. He says, he may have some unwanted help he needs to get rid of.

At the gallery, Trina gives Ned a flyer for the Photo Ark exhibit. She says, it’s the same ad that’s been running online for weeks (weeks?), but she wanted him to see a hard copy. He says, it looks terrific, and thanks her again for bringing the project to his attention. She says she should be thanking him and ELQ for underwriting the exhibit. It’s so important to her, and she’s thrilled they get to be the gallery that displays it to the people of Port Charles. He says, when you run a large organization, you’re constantly approached for donations because people know they’re tax deductible. It’s always nice when the project is so well-intentioned. He’s proud to see ELQ involved with this. She says he’s also doing this for his wife, right? Because Olivia is a big animal lover? Trina bets he can’t wait to see her face when he brings her tonight.

Olivia looks at the painting Ned gave her, and wonders where she’s going to hang it. Robert comes in, saying, a large gentleman from Belarus said he could come in. He hopes it’s okay. She says, much better than okay, and hugs him. She can’t believe Ned punched him over a stupid, meaningless little kiss. He says, let’s be realistic. That kiss was anything but meaningless.

Chase wants to ask Maxie and Austin questions about the night Louise was kidnapped, and Maxie says they’ve already given statements, and answered a bunch of questions. Chase says, that was before Peter resurfaced, and said he has no idea where his daughter is. That brings them back to square one. Their best shot to find Maxie’s daughter is to revisit the night she was born. Since fake nurse Chloe is dead, that leaves the two of them. Austin asks how he knows Peter’s not lying, and Chase says, Nina said Peter was blackmailing her to find Louise. It doesn’t sound like something he would do if he was lying. Austin says, Peter is malignant and ruthless. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t say or do to pursue his own agenda. Chase says, that sounds like someone else he knows, and Maxie says, okay, that’s enough. She can see Chase is letting his personal feelings color his investigation. Does she need to report him to Mac?

Valentin asks why Gladys would be surprised that he delights in the pleasure of her company. Gladys says she didn’t know how he’d be feeling… physically, and he says he’s a little over being stuck in this hospital bed, so why doesn’t she stick around and entertain him? He’s got nothing but time; tell him a story. She says she’s happy to help him fill some time, and closes the door. She sits next to the bed, and says she’s got a terrific story about her neighbor Ethel’s cousin… but he says, no. Tell him a work story. She says she answers phones for Miss Bossy Pants. She doesn’t do anything as important as him. He says, they both know the assistant knows where all the bodies are buried.

At the Bistro, Brook asks Ned what the plan is for the ELQ vote next week. He asks if she can give him five minutes until the caffeine kicks in, but she says, it’s too important to wait. He says he has plenty of time to strategize over the next week, especially now that Austin has withdrawn his claim to the ELQ shares. The last major threat is gone. She says, Valentin Cassadine is the major threat. You’d better believe he’s spending all this time figuring out how to outmaneuver them. He says, last he checked, Valentin was recovering at GH, and she says, so? That just means he has nothing but time to figure out a way to beat them. Don’t pop the champagne just yet. He says, good point. He’ll call Michael again. She says, he seems distracted, but he says he’s fine. She says, tell his face that. He hasn’t cracked a smile yet. Does this have anything to do with Olivia? He says he walked in on her kissing Robert Scorpio. She says, oh no. Is he sure he didn’t misinterpret it? He says, no, but of course (🍷) he reacted like a jealous fool, and punched Robert in the face, for all the good it did. He thinks it’s time to face the fact his marriage is over.

Robert tells Olivia, they’re friends, good friends. But there’s also something more. It’s a pull, and attraction, call it whatever you like, but now that she kissed him, they can’t deny this any longer. She says he’s right, and going to Monte Carlo with him just made it stronger. He says he woudn’t have called her if he’d known she and Ned were having problems back then, and she says, she and Ned have been having problems for a while. He says he can’t help but notice, they’re drawn to each other when she’s having issues, and she asks what he’s saying. He says she seems to use him not to deal with stuff with Nedly.

Portia asks if Curtis still thinks Linc showing up wasn’t a coincidence, and he says, he’s convinced someone sent him there as a front. Think about this. The band he originally scheduled, cancels out of nowhere with a flimsy excuse. According to Brook, Linc is a pariah in Port Charles, and he shows up with an artist that’s eager to perform in a club that was recently in the news for mob activity. Portia says, when he puts it all together, it sounds way too convenient, and he says, someone must want him to owe Linc a favor. She asks who he thinks might have sent Linc, and he says he thinks it’s like Dante warned. He believes the mob is trying to get a foothold in The Savoy.

Sitting at a table, Sonny asks what prompted Spencer to get the job, and Spencer says his dad put Ava in charge of his trust. He refuses to be under her thumb, so he renounced his inheritance, and all that goes with being a Cassadine, including his father. Sonny says he respects Spencer’s decision not to take the easy way out; he’s being his own person. That’s amazing. He’s proud of Spencer. Spencer says, don’t be too proud. He was thisclose to crawling back to his father, and telling him and Ava whatever they wanted to hear, doing whatever they wanted. Sonny asks, what stopped him? and Spencer says, a friend called him out.

Trina puts out companion books to the exhibit, when Esme walks in, and says, this is so exciting. Trina says she still has a lot to set up for the show tonight, and Esme says she’s so stoked. She’ll be there to cheer Trina on, since she has it all mapped out; it’s Disney+ day, so they’re going to be watching Jungle Cruise. (Plugging the parent company, I see.) Trina says, really? Us too. Esme says, us? and Trina says, her and Joss, maybe Cam. After the exhibit, they’re going back to their dorm room, microwave some popcorn, kick back, and stream the movie. It’s a good way to decompress. Esme says she and Spence are going to watch the movie before the exhibit. Interesting how their plans are the opposite. Trina tells Esme, she wouldn’t say the opposite, but Esme says, she would, which is probably for the best. She and Spence need to do their own thing. Trina says, well, enjoy the movie; she still has a lot to set up. Esme says, if Trina doesn’t mind, she just has one question first. She needs to know exactly what’s going on between Trina and Spencer.

Sonny asks what Spencer’s friend said to make him change his mind, and Spencer says, she made him realize he really does value his self-respect, which is a lot more compelling in theory than the reality of working an eight-hour shift there. Part of him wonders if he should just go back to his father and play nice. It’s just that every time he shows up there, he can’t help but feel, whose life is this? Sonny says, Carly caught him up on everything when he was gone. Spencer’s life now is at Kelly’s because of the decisions he made, good or bad. He has to own up to that, and when he does, then he can figure out where he goes from there.

Trina asks what Esme is talking about; nothing is going on between her and Spencer. Esme says, all she knows, is Spencer gave up his trust fund, and severed all ties with his father. All because of Trina. That doesn’t sound like nothing to her. Trina says she didn’t stick her nose in Spencer’s business. He purposely sought her out, asked for advice, and she gave it. That’s it. Whatever Spencer decided to do, that’s on him. He makes his own decisions. Esme says, not when it comes to Trina. Spence seems to be taking her advice a lot these days. She can’t help but wonder. Is Trina trying to steal her boyfriend?

Chase says, he knows it’s traumatizing for Maxie, but truly believes the only way they’ll solve the case is to revisit the night she gave birth. But if she’s not ready to do that, he understands. Austin says he can’t speak for Maxie, but he’s ready to do it. Maxie says he doesn’t have to, but he says there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help her find Louise. Chase thanks him, and says he appreciates Austin’s cooperation. He tells Maxie that she can go, but Maxie says, that’s not going to happen. Someone needs to keep Chase in line. Austin says, go ahead; ask away.

Gladys says Valentin is right. As Brook’s executive assistant, she’s privy to sensitive information that most of the other office drones know nothing about. He asks if it’s sensitive information he should know something about, but she says he has his own assistant, doesn’t he? If he or she isn’t keeping him well-informed, maybe it’s time to find a new one. He could always poach her from Brook. He says, last time she was there, she said she had something important to tell him, then Brook came in and ushered her right out. Brook’s not here now. What did she want to say? She says, it was nothing important… She can’t tell him, because if she does, somebody could get hurt.

Olivia tells Robert, she’s tired of fighting. She just wants to be happy. Is that so wrong? He says, of course (🍷) not – they sit – but she’s not going to find it with him. She says, he makes her laugh, and she knows he cares about her. He says,  both true, but she’s made no secret of the fact she’s followed his career. She likes the adventure and danger. In her eyes, he’s this hero, this larger than life character, this ideal. She says, he knows that’s just a bunch of BS. She sees him as a real person. She sees him as her friend. He asks if she’s telling him, when Ned doesn’t provide her with what she requires at home, she doesn’t turn to him, this fantasy figure? This thing too good to be true? She asks why she wouldn’t want a partner she can count on standing be her side. After everything she’s been through in this life, doesn’t she deserve that? He says, all that and more, and she says she doesn’t get that from Ned. She can’t rely on Ned anymore.

Portia says, Curtis opened the club because he was looking for a fresh start; as a way to leave behind all the danger and violence of his life as a P.I. Now it seems like that danger is knocking on his door again. He says he’s going to slam the door in danger’s face, and she says, how? She knows he likes Sonny and Jason, but if he asks for their protection, this place will still be known for its mob connections. He says he left a message for Linc to call him back. The first thing he needs to know is who Linc is working for. She hopes he finds out. She sees how hard he works for this place. She hates that someone is trying to corrupt it. He takes her hands, and says she’s adorable. She’s been his biggest cheerleader for The Savoy, ever since the first time they came there on Valentin’s Day for one of his last P.I. cases. She says, of course (🍷) she supports him. She sees how happy this place has made him, and hates that someone is trying to come in and disturb the peace he’s found. He says, this is his baby, and he’ll put a stop to anyone who tries to take what’s his.

Ned thanks Brook for the vote of confidence, and she says, they live in the same house. She’s watched him and Olivia over the past few months, and they seemed to be falling back in love. He’s just going to throw in the towel because their problems haven’t gone away? Nobody’s problems just disappear; that’s called being in a relationship, isn’t it? He says he thought they were both fighting for their marriage. Then he suggested they take Leo to a specialist, and Olivia shuts him out. That is not the sign of a healing marriage. From Olivia’s point-of-view, because he didn’t rubber stamp her beliefs, he’s not supporting her. She can’t see he’s only trying to help Leo. He loves that little boy. She asks if it’s occurred to him that maybe Olivia doesn’t need him to solve this problem, and he asks, how can she if she’s not even open to the possibility that Leo might have an issue? Brook says she hasn’t been a mother long, but if a doctor said something was wrong with Bailey, her first reaction would be to be scared. They all know Olivia is a terrific mother. Instead of telling what do, and leaping into action, maybe he should try just listening to her. Help her face whatever fears she’s having. He says, how can he when Olivia goes running off to Robert the first chance she gets? She says, Olivia is his wife, not Robert’s. He has to figure this thing out, or is he telling her that he’d be okay with losing Olivia?

Olivia tells Robert that she’s felt alone so many times in this marriage. When Valentin was trying a hostile takeover of ELQ, Ned just kept putting the company in front of his family, and had the nerve to be angry with her for going to Europe to try and save her own son, when Ned’s daughter was in the hospital at the same time. Then he wrongly assumes they’re having some kind of affair. Does he give her the benefit of the doubt? Does he ask her? No. He jumps right in bed with Alexis. Robert says he thought they worked that out, and she says, they tried. For a while, it seemed like Ned was becoming a man she could trust again, then this whole thing with Leo happens, and once again, he can’t take her side. He says, Ned thinks the world of Leo, and she says, that’s not in question. He’s not being a partner to her. Robert asks, is that the problem? From where he’s standing, it looks like she’s scared.

Spencer tells Sonny, he knows he made a mistake, and he’s paying for it now. He has this humiliating minimum wage job. He turned down Ava’s horrible deal, which would have made his life much easier, but he didn’t want to be under Ava’s control. He feels like he’s doing a pretty good job of manning up here. What else can he do to prove it to Sonny? Sonny says, Spencer broke his trust. It’s going to take a while to get it back. Spencer says, really? That’s all Sonny has to say? Sonny’s not even going to give him a hint where to start? Sonny tells him, stop looking for shortcuts. He always felt Spencer’s father gave him too many privileges. This isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about working hard. He’s got to get used to that.

Valentin asks Gladys, who will get hurt? and she says, she just means gossip in general. When people say things they shouldn’t, others can get hurt. He says, no. The other day, she had something specific to tell him, and Brook rushed her away. Does it have something to do with Brook? Is it something that concerns him? She says, he totally misunderstood what she was saying, and he says he doesn’t know why she’s being evasive, but there’s something she should know. He can be very generous to those who are kind enough to help him. She says, good to know, and he says, likewise, he can be very uncharitable to those who cross him. She needs to ask herself, does she want to be on his bad side?

Portia goes to get some sparkling water, and sees the sketch. She asks Curtis, what happened with that mystery man TJ’s patient who ran into her, and also came there, always asking questions about Curtis? Did he ever show up again? He says not that he’s aware of; why? She says she doesn’t know if it’s worth mentioning. She has no proof; it’s just a feeling. He says he’s a big believer in feelings. Go ahead. She says, a man shows up asking questions about him, and now the mob seems to be making a move on The Savoy. Could they be related? He says he just doesn’t know. According to Nika, the man asked just as many questions about live music as he did about him. On the other hand, he can’t rule anything out. She says she’s got to go to work, but please be careful. He says she knows he will, and she kisses him goodbye. She leaves, and Curtis’s phone rings. He thanks Linc for getting back to him so soon. Linc says, congratulations on his big success last night. It’s all over social media. Curtis says he noticed that. He couldn’t have done anything without Linc’s last minute save. Linc says, The Savoy’s a great spot. His guy really loved playing there. He’s just happy he could connect the two of them. Curtis says, that’s exactly why he called. Why doesn’t Linc come to The Savoy, and they can discuss a potential future partnership?

Sonny tells Spencer, there’s always more than one option in life. Has he considered apologizing to Ava? Spencer says, Sonny did not just suggest that, and Sonny says she’s not his favorite person in the world, but she is the mother of his daughter. It’s not about Ava; it’s about Spencer. Spencer says, so Sonny is saying, if he apologizes to Ava, he’ll trust him again? but Sonny says, this isn’t a transaction. If Spencer apologizes to Ava, he has to do it sincerely because he messed up and he’s going to own up to that. Spencer says he has owned up to it, but Sonny says, Spencer’s behavior has hurt a lot of people, including his daughter. Spencer’s not a kid anymore. He can’t just excuse everything away. He knows better than that, because if he doesn’t, Sonny can’t help him.

Gladys says, if she didn’t know any better, she’d say Valentin was threatening her. He says he doesn’t want to threaten her, but this is her last chance. Please tell him what she knows. She tells him, she’ll say this much; he shouldn’t trust Brook. He says, why not? but she tells him, that’s all she can say. He says, then she disappoints him. Chase comes to the room, and says if Valentin is up for it, he has a few questions. Gladys says, good timing. She and Valentin are done. She jets, and Chase asks if he wants to know. Valentin says, must be happy hour somewhere. What can he do for Chase? Chase asks how well Valentin knows Austin.

Austin says Maxie really went after Chase. He’s only trying to do his job. She says she thinks Chase is a good guy. She’s just sick of everyone being suspicious of Austin. It’s frustrating. Her baby is out there somewhere, and the police are focusing on the wrong guy. He thanks her, and says he’s lucky to have her in his corner. She says, likewise, and Austin sees Gladys waiting for the elevator. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she had the worst morning. He says he’s sorry to hear that. Does she want to get some coffee, and tell him all about it? She says, not today; she has a lot on her plate. Maxie asks if Brook knows she’s not at the office, and Gladys tells her to try lightening up, or she’s going to need a ton of Deception’s wrinkle cream. She gets in the elevator, and Maxie says she didn’t know Austin was friends with Gladys.

Ned tells Brook, of course (🍷) he doesn’t want his marriage to end. He loves Olivia, but if they can’t get on the same page, what chance do they have? She says she knows he wants what’s best for Leo, and so does Olivia. Maybe they could come together on that common ground, and go from there. He says, it takes two people to make a marriage work. He’s beginning to wonder if Olivia’s heart just isn’t in it anymore.

Olivia tells Robert, the only thing she’s afraid of is spending the rest of her life in a marriage with a partner who doesn’t support or trust her. He says, she doesn’t think for a moment Ned might be thinking the same thing? Think for one minute. What if Ned is right about Leo? Simply do what he suggests, and if he’s wrong, he’ll back off. She says, it doesn’t sound so threatening when he says it like that, and he says, he’s always looked at her as a very brave woman. Is she prepared be wrong in this case? She says she would do anything for Leo, and he says, there she has it. She can be the hero in her own story.

Sonny leaves Kelly’s, and Brook is outside. She hugs him, and says she heard what happened to him. She’s so happy to see him with her own eyes. She’s glad he’s home safe. He says, so is he. Michael told him she had a daughter. She says, Bailey; she’s perfect. Every day she’s changing and discovering something new; Brook can’t keep up. He says, it’s a great age. It’s a magical age. If they’re talking, it’s even better, but you don’t want them to be teenagers, because then they start talking back to you. Brook laughs, and Gladys stands by the gate. He tells Brook to bring Bailey by the house, so he can see her, instead of watching Valentin lurking around. She says he’s got it, and looks over to see Gladys. Sonny follows her gaze, and Gladys smiles broadly.

Chase tells Valentin, now that he’s back to work, he’s looking into Maxie’s baby’s kidnapping. Valentin has done business with Austin; has he ever said anything about the case? Valentin says, Austin was particularly helpful when he and Anna visited Pawtuck, investigating the case. He seemed legitimately interested in helping find Louise. Chase thanks him, and says, if he thinks of anything else, Valentin knows where to find him. Valentin says he’s got it, and Chase wishes him a speedy recovery. Brook would never admit it, but he knows she misses having Valentin around the house. Valentin says he knows Chase and Brook are tight, and he’d never ask Chase to betray her trust, but is she okay? She seems a little frazzled. Chase says, she’s definitely stressed about something. Seeing Linc, her old music producer, at The Savoy last night didn’t help. Valentin says, is he still around? He’s awful. Is she okay? Chase says he stepped in, and kept Linc away from Brook. Valentin says, she gave Yuri the slip, huh? She tends to do that. There was one night she got Yuri to build Bailey’s crib, despite the fact that there was plenty other staff who could have done that. That was the night she snuck out for girls night, and of course (🍷) she ended up giving birth to Bailey in a hotel room. If Yuri had been there, he would have made sure she got to a hospital, and Valentin could have been there for the birth of his daughter, but it didn’t happen. She made sure she was all alone.

Robert says he’ll always be there for Olivia, and they hug. Ned walks in, and Robert says, oops, gotta go, and leaves.

Trina says, steal Esme’s boyfriend? She doesn’t know why Esme thinks that, but no. That’s not her. She and Spence are friends, and that’s it. If Esme has a problem with that, she can take it up with him. Esme says, okay then; they’re good. She feels really silly about how much she needed to hear Trina say that, but Trina understands where she’s coming from, right? Trina says, no, she doesn’t, and Esme says, it’s just that certain friendships can push the boundaries of what’s appropriate and what’s not. Spence talking to her about his inheritance and his dad is just way too intimate. Trina asks if Esme is telling her not to be friends with Spencer, and Esme says, she’s just gently suggesting that the next time Spence tries to engage Trina in such an intimate conversation, just remind him that certain topics are off limits for friends of the opposite sex. Trina says, they’ll have to agree to disagree, because if any friend comes to her with a problem, she’s going to help, no question about it. Because that’s who she is. She walks in the back.

Curtis thanks Linc for coming in, and says he knows Linc is a busy man, so he’ll get to the point. Now that he’s launched The Savoy, things are going well, he’s focusing on his next goal. How to make this the number one place in Port Charles to listen to live music. To do that, he’s going to need help; help from someone like Linc, and his many contacts. Linc says he’d be up for that, and Curtis says, before they enter into a partnership, he needs to know he can trust Linc. So he’s giving Linc the opportunity to tell him anything he needs to know about who he does business with. Linc says, if Curtis doesn’t trust him, he can’t partner with Curtis, and starts to leave. Curtis says he’s not going anywhere until he admits  that he wasn’t here by coincidence the other night; someone sent him. Linc says Curtis is right; he owed someone a favor. That’s all. Curtis asks, who? and Linc says, someone who wants to remain anonymous. Curtis says he used to be a cop; after that, a P.I. He could start going through all the skeletons in Linc’s closet if he wanted to. Why not make it easier on both of them, and just talk to him. Is Linc working with the mob? Linc says, no, absolutely not, and Curtis says, then who sent him? Curtis goes around to the other side of the bar, and gets the sketch. He shows it to Linc, and says, was it this man? Linc doesn’t say anything, and Curtis tells him, he’ll take that as a yes. Obviously, Linc knows this man; who is he? Linc tells Curtis, he can’t say, and Curtis says, Linc told him that he’s not with the mob, so let him tell Linc something. There’s no way he’s going to let some jerk muscle his way in on his business. Linc says, he’s just the messenger, and Curtis slaps the sketch on the bar, and grabs Linc by the lapels. He says, whoever he is, he’s been asking questions about him and his family all over town. Who is he? Marshall yells, let him be. He points to Linc, and says, you, get lost. He tells Curtis, I’m the one you want, my man.

Ned asks what Olivia and Robert were talking about, and Olivia says, they were just clearing the air. He hands her the flyer, and says, there’s an exhibit tonight at the Jerome gallery. It’s being underwritten by ELQ Charities. If she can make it, she should come. She says, ELQ is making a matching donation to the local animal shelter. He says he knows it’s an important charity to her, and leaves. She looks at the painting.

Trina comes back out, and says, Esme’s still here? Esme says, because she wants Trina to know she respects her being such a good friend to Spence, and she appreciates Trina listening to what she had to say. She hopes Trina will think about it. She’ll see her at the show tonight. Break a leg. I’d be afraid Esme meant that literally. Outside, Esme uncurls her palm, and there are bloody crescents where her nails have dug into it.

Gladys says she feels like Sonny has been avoiding her, and Brook says she wonders why. Gladys says, they have to catch up. They have so much to talk about. He suggests she start with her telling Cyrus that he and his family were harboring Dev illegally. She says, it’s just something that came out in conversation, and he says, he bets. He tells Brook to bring Bailey by, and leaves. Brook asks if Gladys really thought Sonny would side with her over his niece.

Austin tells Maxie that he ran into Gladys at The Savoy the other night, and they sat at the bar and chatted. She seems like somebody who could use someone to talk to right now. Maxie says, take her advice, steer clear of Gladys. She’ll do whatever it takes to get ahead. He says, this is kind of ironic, coming from the woman who calls Brook Lyn Quartermaine her BFF. He doesn’t know what Maxie sees in her, but he doesn’t question it; he just accepts it. She can’t afford him the same courtesy? She says, she’s in his corner, remember? Gladys is shady. Austin says, at least she’s up front about it, and walks off.

Brook asks Gladys what that comment to Sonny was about, and Gladys swears she hasn’t told anyone Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father. Brook says, keep it that way, or Pauly’s gonna be pissed. Gladys storms into Kelly’s, and Chase asks, who’s Pauly? Brook turns around to see him standing behind her.

On the phone, Valentin tells Yuri that Brook is in danger from Peter August. It’s imperative that he watch her every move; everyone she sees, everywhere she goes. It’s the only way they’re going to protect her. Valentin is counting on him. He needs to know every last detail of her day.

Brook tells Chase, they were just discussing some Deception business. Just because he’s a detective, doesn’t mean he gets to sneak up on people like that. How long was he standing there? He says he just got here. Why is she lying to him? She says she has no idea what he’s talking about, and he says, she’s lying about the night Bailey was born.

On Monday, Brando tells Gladys that it’s rude to turn down an invitation, Scotty asks if someone wants to walk out of jail free as a bird, Valentin says he and Anna can’t stop from making a deal with the devil, and Curtis wants to know what someone is doing here.

🐨 Where’s Ingo…?

The saga is here and gone. Apparently, it wasn’t the transphobia that got him in the end.

The Truth Behind Ingo Rademacher’s GH Exit

It didn’t help though.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Stars Support Cassandra James and the Trans Community

His side.

Ingo Rademacher Responds to Accusations He’s Transphobic

🥀 Final Bow…

Another soap legend laid to rest.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/11/10/jerry-douglas-died-young-and-restless-patriarch-john-abbott/6381565001/

🍊 Like a Bad Penny…

It’s probably like childbirth. She forgot how painful it is, so she’s doing it again.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-orange-county-season-16-trailer-heather-dubrow-returns/

And her first order of business.

https://pagesix.com/2021/11/11/heather-dubrow-accuses-rhoc-newbie-of-giving-her-daughter-porn/

🦋 Gilded Cage Opened…

Normally, I might not care that much about something like this, but when I heard she had an IUD put in against her will, plus she wanted more children, that was just no. I’m very happy to hear this nightmare is over for her.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2021/11/12/britney-spears-conservatorship/6379139001/

🏃🏻 Last Leap…

He was one of the busiest men in Hollywood.

Dean Stockwell Dies: ‘Quantum Leap’ Star, Oscar & Emmy Nominee Was 85

🐙 Playing a Second Round…

Contains a SPOILER for the ending of Squid Games, and it’s at the beginning of the article. DO NOT enter here if you’re still contemplating watching it for the first time.

https://ew.com/tv/squid-game-creator-hwang-dong-hyuk-alternate-ending-season-2-plans/

🐣 Quotes of the Week

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock

If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people. – Virginia Woolf

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. – Dale Carnegie

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. – Albert Einstein (The first guy to figure out Survivor…)

We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou

You have to love dancing to stick to it. It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive. – Merce Cunningham

The old man was nuttier than a squirrel turd. – Little Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson), The Lord God Bird

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. – W. Clement Stone

🦥 Dreaming On…

Time to pull down the blinds on another workweek or just keep doing what you’re doing, if that’s your chosen path. See you at Dead time. Until then, stay safe, stay firm in your ideals, and stay knowing it’s not about shortcuts; it’s about working hard.

Oct1

September 30, 2021 – Sonny Visits Nikolas, Don’t Worry, Reunion Rumble, No Expert, Pets Of the Famous & Trees

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Carly tells Jason, Nina knew the whole time Sonny was alive. They got married, and she knew. He says she can’t burn Nina’s life down, and she says, watch her. He says, why let Nina be the victim after all the hell she’s put everybody through? Carly says, Nina needs to pay, and he says, so stand back and let her pay the consequences. Let people hate her the way she deserves. Isn’t it more satisfying that she loses everything and has only herself to blame? She says, fine; she’ll back off. She asks why he’s looking at her, and he says he wants her to mean what she’s saying right now. She says she gets it. If she goes after Nina, Nina will make her out to be the bad guy, and she can’t go down that road again. Nina is so lucky that Jason got there. He says, Josslyn told him, so he had her phone tracked. She says, Josslyn must be so worried and confused, and he says, Josslyn’s exact words were that she was meddling, but she was concerned things might escalate. She says, Josslyn was right. Can he believe Nina knew Sonny was alive? He says, Sonny told him, and was going to tell her. She says she can’t believe what’s happening. She has to go. He asks where she’s going, and she promises not to go anywhere near Nina, and walks out past Ned, slamming the door. Ned asks Jason, what happened? Or is it about to happen?

Alexis finds Shawn in the library setting up the checkerboard. He says she owes him a rematch. She sits down and says she doesn’t know what the point is; he’s going to lose. She has an idea. Why doesn’t he tell her what’s going on with Hayden’s investigation? He said they were a good team. He says, this might come as a surprise to her, but they don’t always have to be on a mission. He says maybe he’s just here for the company, but she says, maybe the company doesn’t find it very exciting to keep beating him at checkers. So let her be his sounding board. Maybe she can help him find out who really tried to kill Hayden.

On the phone, Doc says, Laura coming home soon makes him happy. How are she and Martin getting along? Any sibling rivalry over the TV remote?… That’s good. Doc’s glad he knows his place… Spencer has settled back into Windymere. Hopefully he and Nikolas can smooth things over… He’s afraid not. Ava is still leaving Port Charles. Ava knocks at Doc’s office door, and says she hasn’t left yet. She still has some unfinished business.

Cameron asks what Spencer is talking about. What could he have possibly done to make him feel like he doesn’t deserve a relationship with his own father? He’s known Spencer a long time. He’s seen Spencer at his best, and seen him at his worst, and a lot of those times, the worst outweighed the best. He hopes Spencer knows, he’ll always be there for him, no matter what he’s done. Spencer says, it’s easy for Cameron to say. He’s been in boarding school in Europe while Cameron and Josslyn were at PC High. He’s changed; they all have. Cameron says, if Spencer wants to make a list, and compare the terrible things they’ve done, trust him, he’s in no position to judge. Spencer says Cameron might not, but Trina is a whole other story. Cameron tells him, who says she has to know? and Spencer asks if he can really make that promise. What about Josslyn? The three of them are pretty tight. Cameron says they only have to know what Spencer wants them to know. Spencer says he’s got to admit, it’s been killing him, when the doorbell rings. Cameron asks if Spencer is expecting anyone, and Spencer says, whoever it is, he’ll send them packing. Spencer opens the door, and Trina says, surprise.

Sonny asks how he can help Esme, and she introduces herself. Josslyn pops her head out from around the corner, and Esme says she thought Sonny would like to know Spencer is back in Port Charles. Sonny asks when Spencer arrived, and what he’s been up to, and Esme says, he came home early this summer to surprise his dad… and it’s been one eventful reunion. He asks if Spencer is in trouble, and she says, Spence isn’t, but his father might be. Josslyn watches.

Trina says she thought Spencer would be glad to see her, given their history. She says hi to Cameron, adding that she didn’t think he’d be there. Spencer wonders why security didn’t tell him she was arriving on the launch, and she says, they remembered she had VIP status from his party. They knew she’d always be welcome. Is she interrupting? Spencer says he and Cameron were just catching up. He’s always happy to see her, but why didn’t she call first? Cameron says, good question, and Trina says she needed to show Ava some documents before she took off for Bora Bora with Spencer’s dad. Spencer says, Ava’s not here. Neither is his father. It sounds like she should be looking for them at the airport.

Doc says Laura heard right. Ava just arrived, and it sounds like she’d like to have a talk… He will… Her too. He loves her. He tells Ava that Laura wishes her safe travels, and wants him to tell her that this isn’t goodbye. She expects Ava to return to Port Charles once the police find her stalker. Ava says, sounds like an excellent plan, and asks when Laura returns from her mayor business in DC. He says, soon. Is she sure she doesn’t want to wait and say goodbye in person? She says she can’t. She has a flight booked for London, and sublet a flat. The wheels are definitely in motion. He says he’s sure Laura will understand, and Ava says she stopped by to let him know the divorce papers are filed, and she’s said goodbye to Nikolas. He says, and Avery? She says, Avery is safe with Carly… and Sonny. She’s sure he’s heard about Sonny’s return. He says he has, and he’s very happy for Sonny’s family. She says, Avery is over the moon to have her daddy back. It makes leaving her a little bit easier. He says he does have some free time right now, if she’d like to talk about what’s going on, but she says she’s not there for counseling. She needs for him to make her a promise.

Alexis gives Shawn some coffee, and he asks if Sam knows she wants to be a private investigator. She says she doesn’t have to be a private investigator. She used to be a lawyer, and she’s a Cassadine. She has a very unique perspective on the criminal mind. He says, and he’s worked with criminals for years, not to mention being locked up with them. He thinks he has a similar perspective. She says she sees where this is going. He’s afraid she’s going to get all this information, share it with TJ and Molly, and they’re going to go off on another crusade. He says, that’s a very real consideration. Speaking of Molly and TJ, they’re never home. He thought maybe they’d share dinner once in a while, watch a movie on TV. He microwaves a mean bag of popcorn. She says, nice deflection. What is it he’s trying so hard not to tell her? He knows how she is, and he knows she’s not going to let it go. He says, Jordan’s been injured, and she says she’s sorry; what happened? He says she was trying to help him. Things went sideways. She asks, how? and he says, she was helping him look into Naomie Dreyfuss’s murder. They found a passenger, Roger Barstow, who sat next to her on the plane back to Port Charles. She asks if that was helpful, and he says, Jordan went to interview him at his home. Just as she arrived, who should show up but Curtis and Portia. She asks what they were doing there, and he says, following their own lead. Curtis is helping Sam look into whether Drew is still alive, and if he is, what happened to him. She says, so his investigation and their investigation led to the same house. He says, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Ned asks Jason, so Nina knew Sonny was alive, and just kept visiting Wiley there at Michael’s house, and didn’t say a word? Jason says, that’s why Carly slammed out. Now he knows. Ned says he can only imagine how Michael and Willow will feel. They gave Nina a lot of time with her grandson, which she clearly didn’t deserve. She’s disrupted a lot of lives, Jason’s included. What happens to Jason now that Sonny’s back?

Did Nina make secret visits to Wiley? Because I only remember her visiting once since she went to Nixon Falls, and they’re acting like she was practically hanging out there all summer.

Jax opens the door to Carly, who stomps in, asking, what the hell was he thinking? He says he guesses she spoke to Nina, and she says, he knew Sonny was alive, and conspired with Nina… He says he didn’t conspire. He wasn’t part of Nina’s lies. She says he knew Sonny was in Nixon Falls, but he says he had a hunch; he didn’t know for sure. She says he should have told her about the hunch. She was getting married. He says they’d been fighting so much lately, if he had come to her and said he thought Sonny was alive, she would have accused him of preventing her from marrying Jason. She says he’s been trying to control how she lives her life, and he says, in what universe does Sonny not being home further his agenda? Does she honestly think he wants her with Sonny or Jason? She makes a mean, stupid face at him, and shakes her head.

Sonny asks how Nikolas is in trouble, and Esme says, it involves Mr. Cassadine and his wife, Ava Jerome. He says he knows; they’re divorced. She says, of course (🍷) he would know. He and Ms. Jerome co-parent their daughter Avery, right? She’s sure he thinks it’s none of her business, but Spence adores that little girl. The last thing she wants is for Spence to get hurt. Sonny asks, why would he? and she says she overheard Mr. Cassadine talking on the phone. It sounded like he and Ava plan to leave Port Charles today, and take Sonny’s daughter Avery with them. Josslyn leans back against the wall, and says, she wishes she could hear them.

Carly tells Jax, she loves Sonny. She never would have married Jason if she knew Sonny was alive; he knows that. He says he didn’t have time to tell her. Everything he did in Nixon Falls was to help bring Sonny home to her and the family. She asks how he even knew Sonny was in Nixon Falls, and he says it’s going to sound crazy. Does she remember when Josslyn and Trina came looking for him in Nixon Falls? Trina happened to bring home a homemade jar of marinara sauce she picked up from a bar there. Josslyn used that sauce to make him dinner the other night, and she thought it tasted exactly the way Sonny used to make it. She says, he thought Sonny was in a bar in Nixon Falls, making sauce? like this is the worst thing in the world, but he says, no. Remember the first time he was there, and he got shot? When he was on the gurney, and they were about to put him in the ambulance, he thought he saw Sonny. She asks why he didn’t tell her and Josslyn? and he says, because Nina convinced him that he was hallucinating. Carly raises her fists and grits her teeth, saying, Nina’s lied to him for months. Why isn’t he more angry? Ha! She’s such a piece of work. Because she’s more angry, everyone should be. And all the faces she makes. Ugh.

Shawn tells Alexis, because of the gas she inhaled in Barstow’s basement, Jordan’s remaining kidney was compromised. She needs outpatient treatment in a clinic in Albany that specializes in nephrology. She says, poor Jordan, but it’s good Portia is making a full recovery. She has questions. What’s the connection between Dreyfuss and Barstow, and who is the man Curtis chased into the woods, and does Shawn think he could have killed Barstow? And how does Drew’s plane crash relate to all this? He says he can’t answer any of those questions. Although they do have a tenuous connection between Roger Barstow and Drew Cain’s plane crash. She asks what it is, and he says, the Creighton-Clark clinic.

Doc pulls out a chair for Ava, and says he’s at her service. What kind of promise would she like him to make? She sits, and says, he knows how deep Nikolas’s emotions run – they’re either in a very good place, or a very bad place. Doc says, right now, he’s in a bad place because he’s losing his wife, and she says she’s hoping her absence allows him to work on his relationship with Spencer, because she won’t be around for him to worry about anymore. He says, sometimes the absence of a loved one just makes you miss them more, and she says, like he misses Laura? She is a bit worried about Nikolas. Can he look out for Nikolas? Just make sure he doesn’t give in to his darker impulses?

Josslyn takes a photo of Esme talking to Sonny. Sonny asks if Esme heard Nikolas say he’s taking off with Avery, and she says, he was booking a first class flight to Bora Bora for himself, Miss Jerome, and Sonny’s daughter. She’s sure he thinks he’s protecting Avery from the stalker, but she thought Sonny should know. He says she was right to come to her with this. Thanks for filling him in. He leaves, and Josslyn comes out, and looks at Esme.   

Trina asks if Spencer’s dad told him that he and Ava kissed and made up, but Spencer says, Cameron did. Cameron says, after Trina told him that he booked first class reservations for Nikolas and Ava, he assumed Nikolas had already told Spencer. Trina says, Ava already told her, and she was so excited. Spencer’s phone rings, and he says he has to get this. Trina says, it’s not his dad, is it? but Spencer says he thinks his dad is too busy flirting with Ava to remember he has a son. Privacy please. Trina and Cameron go to the entryway, Cameron closing the door behind them. Trina asks what Cameron is doing there. He was supposed to tell Spencer the lie about Bora Bora, then leave. Thereby giving Spencer the freedom to leave Windymere, and them the freedom to tail him. The way this is going, they might never find out if he’s Ava’s stalker.

Spencer asks Esme, where are you? She says, relax. She took care of things. Daddy dearest won’t be taking off to Bora Bora with the wicked wife. He asks, why not? and she says she told him that she took care of things. He says, what did she do?

Ava tells Doc, for two people who started off manipulating one another, she and Nikolas formed a very strong bond. He says, some might even call it love, and she says, maybe it’s the difference in their backgrounds. She’s much more pragmatic. She hates leaving, but knows it’s something she has to do. She knows she’ll miss her life there, especially Avery. Of course (🍷) she’ll miss Nikolas. She’s sure she’ll probably shed a tear or two, but she knows she’ll be all right. Nikolas isn’t like that. He’s not used to compromise, to having to adjust. She’s worried that once the reality of her absence sets in, he won’t react well. That’s why she needs Doc to look after him. Doc asks, who’s going to look after her? and she says she’ll look after herself. She won’t be anybody’s victim. Never again. She thanks him for everything, and tells Doc, take good care of him. And please give that beautiful wife of his a hug. She hugs Doc, and he says he will. He tells her to take care too.

Shawn tells Alexis, Roger Barstow worked in the records department at Creighton-Clark. Drew was there for at least six months. Curtis thought there might be something in the records tied to Drew’s disappearance. Portia went with him, hoping her doctor status would encourage Barstow to share files. Alexis says, instead, Jordan found him murdered in the basement, and Shawn says he wishes he could find out if Barstow working at the clinic is relevant to him sitting next to Naomie on the plane. Or is it just some bizarre coincidence? She says, he told her they bought their plane tickets together. That doesn’t strike her as a coincidence. He says he’s more interested in her reaction when he mentioned Creighton-Clark, and she says, Drew was her former son-in-law. He says, of course (🍷). She would have heard mention of the clinic, and know Robin was instrumental in his escape. She says, there’s that, but it turns out she has a more direct family connection to Creighton-Clark.

Cameron says, what is he still doing there? What is Trina doing there in the first place? That was not part of the plan. She says she had to improvise when Joss left to tail Esme, and there was no sign of him at the pier. He says, Spencer was about to tell him something really important, and she says, Spencer told Cameron that he was Ava’s stalker? He says, it was kind of heading in that direction. He didn’t say the words exactly, but she blew it the moment she walked in.

Spencer tells Esme not to play around. How did she take care of things between his father and Ava? Are they reconciled or aren’t they? She says, don’t worry about the minor details; focus on the big picture. His father is going to be convinced to stay in Port Charles by someone a lot more persuasive than him. He says, this is not making him feel better, but she says, it’s too late. She lit the match, and the fuse is burning. Oh, one more thing. The explosion happens at Windymere, and he doesn’t want to be around.

Doc sees Josslyn, and says, hello. He asks if everything is all right. Esme realizes Josslyn has been there.

Jason tells Ned, Sonny is back, so things just go back to normal. Ned says, and by normal, he means Carly and Sonny are still married, and Jason is once again Sonny’s loyal lieutenant. Jason says, pretty much, and Ned assumes Jason is thrilled, but doubts Jason’s mother will be. He knows she said she supported Jason and Carly being married. That’s because Jason told her that he was happy, and that’s all Monica wants for him. Still, he imagines she’ll be relieved that he and Carly are no longer husband and wife. Jason says, probably, and Ned says, the downside is Sonny’s back, a man she’s loathed since the day Jason started to work for him. Jason says, it was always his choice to work for Sonny, and Ned says Jason doesn’t need to defend Sonny. He is who he is. He did what he did. The point is, now he’s back, which means once again he’ll be calling the shots, while Jason will be taking all the risks. That has to be a nightmare for his mother.

Jax tells Carly, Nina made the wrong choice with good intentions. She thought she was protecting Sonny from his old life. She says, protecting Sonny? and he says, she thought he was happier in Nixon Falls. Carly laughs, and says, she’s a liar. She was doing it to protect Sonny, she was doing it to save her relationship with Wiley, when the fact is, Nina still blames her for what happened to Nelle, so this is payback, plain and simple. He says, it’s true that Nina was traumatized by everything that happened to Nelle, but was she really wrong about Sonny’s safety? He heard a limo blew up outside of her wedding, and a couple of mobsters got killed. She asks if he’s seriously saying this to her right now? Is he kidding her? He says he’s not talking about Sonny’s physical safety in Nixon Falls. He was happier there mentally, and Nina saw that. Carly says, so she should go thank Nina?

Jax says Carly wasn’t in Nixon Falls. She didn’t see Sonny’s life there. It was simpler, less complicated. He was a guy named Mike. He worked behind the bar, and took care of… She tells him, stop. He saw what he wanted to see. He’s hated Sonny for 25 years. He’s hated how powerful Sonny is, how arrogant he is. She’s sure nothing made him happier than seeing Sonny humbled, tending bar somewhere. (Good Lord, here she goes again, looking down on normal people.) He asks if she honestly believes that his only issues with Sonny are about his ego. She knows how much he hates that Sonny’s business puts Josslyn at risk, and his return might make her life even more dangerous. Carly says, it will make Josslyn’s life safer, because there won’t be any question about who’s in charge of the business. He says, if it makes her feel better, he gave Nina an ultimatum, that if she didn’t tell Sonny who he was, he was going to do it. She says, he trusted the person who’s been lying for nine months to step up and tell the truth, and he says, Sonny’s home, isn’t he? She says, because he was trapped in a fire, and almost died. He remembered everything on his own. No thanks to Jax, and no thanks to Nina. He says, believe what she wants. It’s her life, and he doesn’t want any part of it.

Shawn asks what’s the family connection Alexis has to Creighton-Clark, and she says, her Uncle Victor ran the clinic for some time. He asks if she can get in touch with her uncle, but she says, not without holding a séance. Last she heard, he was pretty dead. He was killed when the clinic was destroyed; shot, she believes. Shawn says, another roadblock they can’t seem to get around, and she says, at the time, Victor was director of the WSB. He took over the Bureau from the inside and used it for his own ends. Her understanding is that the details are classified, but if she were Shawn, she’d contact Anna or Robert. They could probably tell him more. Ava walks in.   

The doorbell at Windymere rings, and Cameron says, if it’s Josslyn and Esme, he gives up. He opens the door, and it’s Sonny with a couple of thugs in suits (sounds like a good name for a band). Trina tells him, welcome back; it’s good to see him. Cameron seconds that, and he says it’s good to see them too. He’s sure Josslyn relied heavily on both of them while he was gone. Is Spencer’s father around? Spencer asks, who’s at the door? and smiles to see Sonny. He hugs Sonny, and Sonny asks if he gets tired of people telling him that he’s all grown up. Spencer asks if Sonny gets tired of hearing people welcome him back from the dead. He looks pretty good for a guy who has a headstone at Woodlawn. Sonny says he has nine lives, and Spencer says he’d thought Sonny used them all up. He can’t believe Sonny is there, in the flesh. When he heard Sonny passed away, he knew he had to come home. He realized life’s too short not to spend it with his family. Sonny asks if his father is there, but Spencer says, he guesses Nikolas is already on his jet, or in Bora Bora. Sonny’s guess is as good as his.

Esme says hi to Josslyn. She didn’t realize Josslyn was right behind her. Esme says it’s nice to see Doc, and he says he hopes nothing serious brought her there. She says, just visiting a friend, like she has a lot of those in Port Charles. Josslyn tells Doc that she was having her ankle checked; it’s all good. He says he’s glad, and he and Laura are very happy to hear Sonny is alive. Laura can’t wait to see him when she comes home. Josslyn thanks him, and says, Sonny can’t wait to see Laura either. He says he’s sure they’ll be in touch. He starts to leave, but Esme asks him if he has as second. She and Spencer are auditing classes at PCU, and she’s in a Cognitive Psych class. She’d love to pick his brain. He says, since Cognitive Psychology directs us within, she could pick her own brain, and let him know what she finds. She says, deal, and he leaves. She turns to Josslyn, and asks why it looked like Josslyn was sneaking up on her. Josslyn asks what she was talking to Sonny about.  

Jason says, Monica doesn’t need to worry about him, and Ned says, maybe Jason believed that once upon a time, but he’s a father now. If Jake or Danny came to him, and said they were going to do something incredibly dangerous, he wouldn’t need to worry? Would he worry any less? Jason says, no, and Ned says, in fact, Jason might worry more if he knew that child had no fear for their own safety. That they would run, not walk, to put their life on the line so Sonny Corinthos could turn a profit. Jason says he works for Sonny because he wants to. Sonny is his friend, the work suits him, he’s good at it; it’s his choice. Ned says, given the amount of times Jason has been arrested or injured, Jason can see how that choice would be tough on a mother. Jason says he does, and Ned says, and the rest of the family for that matter.

Jax tells Carly, he might not be responsible for Sonny’s return, but he played a part in it. One he may live to regret, so she’s welcome. She says, he’s expecting a thank you? Go to hell. She knows what the hell is going on here. Jax is protecting Nina because he cares about her, and wants her back. Even though she’s been lying for the past nine months. Keep sticking up for her. He says, the irony in all of this is, when he told Nina that she had to come clean, and had to tell Sonny who he was, she accused him of sticking up for Carly. He can’t win with either one of them. She says, poor Jax. It’s a shame he can’t get Nina back. He says, that’s never going to happen. She’s moved on.

Ava asks if she’s interrupting a game. Who’s playing? Alexis says, she was going to win anyway, so they don’t even bother playing. She heard Ava was encamping in London, and Ava says, Nikolas told her. Alexis says, he’s heartbroken about the divorce, and she’s assuming he’s not the only one. Ava says, he’s not, but she doesn’t have a choice. She has to keep her daughter safe. Alexis points to Ryan, and says she’s been doing her best to keep an eye on this psycho, but from what she can tell, he doesn’t seem to be faking his locked-in condition. Ava thanks her, and says, the sad fact is, she’s no closer now to knowing who the stalker is, than she was on Valentine’s Day when she got that first creepy gift. Alexis asks if Ava’s made all her arrangements, and Ava says, the gallery is taken care of, Kristina agreed to manage Charlie’s, she’s said all her goodbyes… All but one. She glares at Ryan.

Esme says she was talking to Josslyn’s stepfather about a family matter, and Josslyn says, she’s not family. Esme says, Spence is, and Josslyn says, and that concerns Esme how? Esme says, Mr. Corinthos has relationships with other people in Port Charles. It’s not really a good look for Josslyn, acting territorial about her stepfather. She’s at a loss here. She’s only ever wanted to be Josslyn’s friend. The way Josslyn and Trina have been treating her has really hurt her feelings. Why don’t they like her? Josslyn tell her, cut the crap, Es. Her innocent act may work with Spencer, but Josslyn is on to her. Oh, and if whatever she’s planning involves Josslyn’s family, Esme’s feelings will be the least of her problems.

Spencer leads Sonny into the drawing room, and says he’ll try to call his father again. Maybe he’ll pick up this time. Sonny says he can’t believe Trina and Cameron are in college, and he missed their graduation. Did they have fun? Cameron says, they did… mostly. There was actually some unexpected drama at Trina’s party. Sonny asks, what kind of drama? when Nikolas walks in. He says, Sonny, and Spencer says he’s been calling. Nikolas says his phone was on silent. Is everything okay? Sonny says he’s glad he caught Nikolas before he left. If the kids will excuse them, they have a lot of catching up to do.

Ned says, they may not spend a lot of time together, but they all care what happens to Jason. Jason says he can’t promise to change the way he does business, but he’s not a pissed off 20 year old anymore. He does take into consideration that he has people who care about him, and want him to be safe, and he does everything he can to stay that way. Ned says, that’s all they can ask, and Jason says he’ll stop by the hospital, and tell Monica what’s going on. Ned says, that’s a great idea. He’s sure Monica will want to see him. Jason thanks him for speaking up, and Ned says, it’s kind of his job, to speak for the Quartermaines. Like it or not, Jason is still one of them. Jason says he knows, and leaves. Ned sighs, probably catching that from Jason.

Esme says, between her classes, volleyball, and cute boyfriend, she’s surprised Josslyn has the time to be worried about her. But since she seems a tad obsessed, she’ll give Josslyn some advice. Minding her own business is great; minding Esme’s will cost her. She walks away, and Josslyn says, poor Spencer. He’s got no idea who Esme is. Apparently Esme has no idea who Sonny is either.  

Ava goes to Ryan, and bends down so her face is level with his. She says she has no idea how he managed it, but she knows he’s got something to do with whoever is stalking her. And he’s won, for now. She’s leaving town, but she’s making it her mission to discover the truth. And when she does, he’ll rue the day she returns to Port Charles. Shawn tells Alexis, he can only imagine the brimstone and hellfire Ava is pouring into Ryan’s ear. Alexis says, he deserves it, and Shawn says, no argument here. She says, let’s get back to Creighton-Clark. If there’s a link between Naomi’s murder and Drew’s disappearance, then Sam’s investigation just got a lot more dangerous. He says he sees where it might concern Alexis, and she says, this somehow leads back to the Cassadines. It always does. They need to figure out how, before even more people get killed.

Jax asks, what exactly did Nina tell Carly about her life in Nixon Falls? Carly says, that she knew Sonny was alive and well the whole time, and she kept it a secret from her and his family. Why? What else does Nina know? What else is she holding back?

Spencer walks outside with Trina and Cameron, and Trina wonders if it’s her, or did the room temperature drop when Sonny saw Nikolas. Cameron says he knows what she means, but Spencer says, it’s just her. Trina’s phone dings, and she looks at it, concerned. Spencer asks, what’s going on?  

Nikolas asks what Sonny means about catching him before he left. He’s not going anywhere. Sonny’s thugs stand on either side of Nikolas, and Sonny says, no, he’s not. Not if he has anything to say about it.

Tomorrow, Maxie asks why Nina thinks Sonny hasn’t mentioned it, Ava tells someone to consider themselves warned, and Sonny says he’s not leaving until he and Nikolas have an understanding.

👯‍♂️ Still BFFs…

I had no clue anyone was concerned. I know I wasn’t.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/are-gina-kirschenheiter-emily-simpson-still-friends-rhoc

⚔️ Battle Not-So-Royale…

Of course she fought with Andy. She has to stay relevant, and there are only so many times we can talk about how addled Tom is and how many times her son’s car rolled.

REPORT: Erika Jayne Fought With Andy Cohen at RHOBH Reunion as Garcelle and Lisa Battled About Race, Plus Erika Asks for More Time to Respond to $25 Million Lawsuit

🩺 Paging Dr. Vicki…

As the guy said in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, I’m not dead yet. However, it’s true that everyone who gets the vaccine is going to die. So will everyone who doesn’t.

https://pagesix.com/2021/09/25/vicki-gunvalson-told-housewives-theyd-die-from-covid-vaccine/

But really, I’d believe medical advice from someone who was fooled by pseudo cancer patient Brooks for years?

https://pagesix.com/2021/09/24/vicki-gunvalson-seemingly-avoids-nyc-indoor-dining-vaccine-mandate/

🐶 Never Enough…

Something fun to end the day. Or begin it.

https://www.whowhatwear.com/celebrities-and-their-pets

👓 I’ll Be Seeing You…

Tomorrow, overpriced real estate, soap, tea, and valuable words. Until then, stay safe, stay bold, and stay focused on the big picture. Unless Esme is involved. Then run.

Sep29

September 28, 2021 – Carly Hunts Down Nina, New VanderBabies In Town, Times Two, Temp Nik, Special Guest, Frid Story, It’s Off, Dead Stuff & Jungle

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Crete, Greece. Anna and Valentin walk into a bar (not the start of a joke), and Anna says, that was totally unsatisfying. He says, just what every man wants to hear, and she laughs, saying, she meant retracing Chloe’s steps. They sit at a table, and Anna says she was hoping to find something more other than the site of the accident. He says they did find something more; they found a road to this quaint little town. He asks if they shouldn’t take a night off from sleuthing. Just one, and have themselves a little drinkie. She says she’s in, and he goes to the bar.

Drew is drowsing in his cell, when Russ comes in, and says he’s got company. Drew says Russ brought him a roommate; how thoughtful. Russ says, enjoy, and tosses Obrecht into the room, slamming the door behind her. She says, my God. Drew Cain? He’s alive? He says, Dr. Obrecht, right? She says he vanished; it’s been years. He says he’s guessing she’s not the reason he’s in there, which begs the question, who managed to capture her?

Michael and Willow sit with Wiley while he colors. Michael says his boy is the next Picasso, and she says, that’s his boy all right. He asks if she’s suggesting he’s not artistic, and she says she’s not saying he’s not not artistic. He says he’s wounded, but she says he’ll get over it. Yuri comes in, and tells them that Brook took Bailey upstairs for naptime, but he has a treat from Charlie’s for Wiley. He holds out a bag, and Willow says, how sweet. She thinks they’ll save it for dessert. Yuri lingers, and Michael asks if there’s something else. Yuri says, Wiley has a visitor, and Nina comes in.

Josslyn leads Maxie into the former home of the moss bowl🎍, and Carly asks, what’s up? Josslyn says, Maxie has something she wants to tell Carly, and Carly says, sounds serious. Josslyn says, it is, and Maxie says, she’s of two minds. A big part of her thinks, it’s not her business, just stay out of it (which gets my vote), but another part of her, also big, says she has information Carly has a right to because she’s Sonny’s wife. And if she were Carly, she’d want to know.

Jason tells Sonny, it was his idea to have the funeral. Carly wasn’t ready, nobody was ready, but he said they should do it. Sonny says he did right. Jason had to send a message that Sonny was gone, and he was in charge of the business. Jason says he hated every minute of it. He felt like he couldn’t actually grieve. Sonny says, the good news is, Jason doesn’t have to grieve anymore.

Valentin says, life is so strange, isn’t it? and Anna says, in what way? He says, it’s cyclical. It teaches us the most interesting lessons in the most unexpected ways. She says he’s in a mood, and he says he’s in an unburdening mood; is that a turn-off? She says, no. She likes it. Keep going. How is life unexpected and interesting? He says, being back in Greece for one. It helped him to see how after, in his mind, she rejected him because of the way he looked. She says, it had nothing to do with the way he looked, and he says, he told her, in his mind. He became obsessed with recreating himself, and getting his hands on the Cassadine inheritance. She says, and taking his place as that Cassadine, and he says, and all the evil crap. It was to pay for his expenses, his final surgeries, and also to fund his quest for the Cassadine fortune. It was also about circling back to her. He wanted to stand tall in front of her, and say, look at me, Anna Devane, I’m strong. And I’m rich. I’m a Cassadine. He doesn’t think he ever appreciated how much of a burden he was to himself.

Obrecht says, of course (🍷) she’s not the reason Drew is there. Does he think if she wanted to hold someone captive, she couldn’t come up with a better facility than this? He says he sees she’s not into the accommodations, but they grow on you. She says, that’s quite the professional beating he received, and digs in her bag, bringing out a syringe. He asks, what’s that? and she says, antibiotics. She’s been told to treat him for possible infection. He says he doesn’t think that’s a good idea, and she says, why not? He says, if memory serves – and he could be wrong about this – she was some kind of evil villainess, wasn’t she? She laughs, and says he has much bigger problems than her. He says, is that so? and she says, he really doesn’t know who’s holding him there, does he? He guesses she’s not about to tell him, but she says, on the contrary. She’d be delighted. She gives him the shot.

Michael tells Yuri, it’s okay; Nina is family. Yuri leaves, and Willow tells Wiley, look who’s here. Nina says she doesn’t know what kind of grow pill Wiley is taking, but it needs to stop right now. He’s grown a foot since she last saw him. She’s missed him so much. Willow says Wiley has missed her too, and Nina asks if she can have a hug. Wiley hugs her, and she says, it’s the best hug ever. She says she got him something, and hands him a box which probably contains toy trucks. He goes to the table with it, and Willow says, he loves it, although how she can tell, I’m not sure, because Wiley is not talking today. Nina says she heard Willow and Michael got back together; she’s so happy for them. Michael says they’re happy for them too, and Willow says, it seems like the whole family has been given a second chance now that Sonny’s home. Michael asks, what about Nina? Is this a quick visit, or is she back for good?

Sonny asks Jason for details of what happened when he was gone, and Jason says, ask him anything. Sonny says he knows Jason wouldn’t have had a funeral first of all, and he definitely woudn’t have gotten married to Carly if the situation didn’t require it. Jason says, they had no choice, and Sonny says, then Dante showed up when he came home. Was that as a policemen? Jason says, there was an explosion in a limo outside their wedding, and Sonny asks, who was in it? Jason says, Novak and Buscema, and Sonny says, what are the odds? He can’t see Jason inviting two guys to a wedding who he was going to blow up, but he could see them coming to a wedding to blow Jason and Carly up. He was one step ahead, right? Jason says, they owe it all to Ms. Woo, and Sonny says he always liked her. Jason says, him too.

Carly asks Maxie what it is they’re talking about. What does she know? Maxie says she’s going to tell Carly, and Carly says, then tell her. Maxie asks if she can do it her way, and in order. And please, try to reserve any judgement, which she knows will be difficult. It would be for her too. They’re kind of alike in that way. Josslyn says she gets that Maxie is trying to help, but the way she’s building this up is making it sound really bad. Maxie says, well, it is, and Carly says, what is it? Maxie says, fine. Nina has known for months Sonny was alive.

Valentin tells Anna, does he hate that Helena Cassadine is his mother? Of course (🍷) he does, but he’s free of it. She says, yes, he is, and he says he has two beautiful daughters that he loves and adores. He has money of his own; he’s his own man. Of course (🍷) they still have a messy history, and Anna says, so messy, but he says he’s not tethered by it. He doesn’t drag it around like a ball and… She says, chain? and he says, he’s free to pursue her because he wants to, because she’s gorgeous, and she captivates him, and he could make her dizzy with a dozen fancy words for why he just likes to be around her. She thinks that’s enough ouzo for him, but he says, maybe it’s not enough ouzo for her. She asks if he’s trying to get her drunk, and he says, hell yes. If she thinks he’s handsome now, wait until she gets a buzz going. She laughs, and he calls for two more. He says, this is the perfect atmosphere for this conversation. If they’d had this conversation back in Port Charles, she’d  be so guarded. She says she’s not guarded. She needs to keep up a professional demeanor. He says she’s guarded. She never lets her defenses down. Here, it’s just the two of them in the field. When the sun comes up, she can pretend this never happened. She can just dismiss his words as those of a drunken fool, but tonight, he’s saying everything.

Obrecht asks what was the last thing Drew did as a free man? and he says, he sent Andre Maddox back to Port Charles. He got on a charter plane to Afghanistan – at least he thought it was headed to Afghanistan. He was going to return the money his good buddy Archer stole, but somewhere along the line, they veered off course, and landed on some island. She says, then what? and he says, two guys with guns boarded the flight. He tried to resist them, then, lights out. For him, not them. He woke up in this place, and he’s been here ever since. She asks what that tells him, and he says she must really like the game Twenty Questions. It tells him that somebody wanted him abducted. He didn’t know who then, and still doesn’t. She says, it was two people, working in tandem, and he says, and those people would be…? She says, the first, the one who originally arranged for his abduction, is none other than Peter August.

Sonny tells Jason, he assumes with Buscema and Novak out of the picture, nothing ties them to their deaths. Jason says he and Diane will have to go down to the station for a while, but there’s nothing to find. Sonny says, good, that means they’re in a decent position, but Jason doesn’t know, because Buscema and Novak wouldn’t have acted on their own. Even from prison, he’s still connected. Cyrus is definitely not gone. Sonny says, they’d better work on a strategy, and Jason says, what? Sonny says he can just picture that bastard sipping coffee, learning about the two guys that died, and he’s alive. He laughs, and says he’s standing in front of his grave, and he’s not in it. He feels like a winner. He cannot be touched. Jason says, then they need to have this conversation.

Nina tells Michael, it’s a little early to say if she’s back for good. TBD, how about that? Willow says, but no more… Nina says, Pennsylvania. She said goodbye to her time there. Michael says, when one chapter closes, another begins, and Nina tells him, that’s what they say. Wiley looks so happy. Willow says, they’re trying, and Nina says, they’re succeeding. She says there’s something she needs to tell them.

Josslyn asks if Maxie just said Nina knew, and Maxie says, yes. Josslyn says, so when she went to pick up her dad in Nixon Falls, Nina knew Sonny was there? Maxie says, yes, and Josslyn says, she was hiding him away, letting all of them grieve, and putting her mother through hell? Carly says she wants to know what Nina knew, and when, and when Maxie found out. Maxie swears she didn’t know when she planned the wedding. She didn’t find out until this morning when Nina came to her. She was really upset and very remorseful. She said she made a terrible mistake. Carly says, mistake? Is that what we’re calling it?  

Valentin says, Anna’s turn, and she says, to drink or talk? He says, both. They don’t have to talk about him all night; they can talk about her. What does she think of him? She says since he’s not even going to remember his name in the morning, she’ll tell him. She missed him. She missed what they were to each other; their friendship. She knows it was her who messed it up, but then when everything happened, and he came back into her life, there was a problem. He asks, what was the problem? and she says she likes him. She doesn’t want to, and it keeps getting worse. She thinks, in a way, he understands her better than anyone else. Robert is the closest obviously, but he’s a good soldier. That’s the difference; he never sold out. Robert never compromised himself like she did. He says, they both did, and she says she’s not saying Robert looks down on her. She’s saying, she looks down on herself when she’s with him. Valentin asks if she’s with him because he’s so much worse, and she says he is, but that’s not what she meant. He says, the first thing that changed his life completely was the birth of his daughter Charlotte. And she knows the second thing. It was her.

Drew says, oh my God. Of course (🍷). Peter was in Afghanistan. Peter paid David Archer to hand him over to Helena. Obrecht says, something he didn’t remember at first, but when it started to come back years later… He says, that son of a bitch didn’t want him to rat him out. She says, Peter was anxious to keep hidden what a demented human being he is. Someone who stole Drew from his life, and scrambled his memory. He says, Peter saw him as a threat, and she says, specifically Drew’s standing with the people Peter holds most dear – Maxie and his unborn child. So Peter went extreme, as they say. Not that she hasn’t been there herself, but there’s a difference between doing nefarious things because you’re blindly in love with the person you’re doing them for, and doing them just because it’s expedient. He asks what Peter did to Maxie.

Jason tells Sonny, Carly wanted to be there to talk about it, but since the moment came up, he will. How’s Sonny doing with his bipolar disorder? Has he been on his meds? How’s he dealing with it, because he seems like he’s doing okay right now. Sonny says he was lucky, because one of the people who took him in, Phyllis, is a nurse. She noticed his erratic behavior from the beginning. Jason asks if it was bad, but Sonny says, it didn’t get really bad. He didn’t sleep a couple nights, and Jason knows how he gets when he’s having a manic episode. Anybody else would have thrown him out or call the cops, but they were fantastic. They just told him to go to the doctor and get treatment. Jason says, it sounds like a real blessing, but that doctor was treating a bartender named Mike, so Sonny should see his psychiatrist.

Nina says she can’t tell Michael and Willow how much it means to her that they gave her a second chance. To be able to be with Wiley is such a gift. Michael says, what it boils down to is, Wiley loves her, and she loves him, and Nina says, so much. Willow asks how they could take that away from him, and Nina says she’s so grateful. Not only for that, but also, that they’re Wiley’s parents. They’re really great parents. They put Wiley first, and you can tell. He’s such a happy, all-around awesome kid. She gives them all the credit. Michael says he doesn’t know about that, but Nina says she does. They’re decent, kind, good people. They didn’t have to let her be part of Wiley’s life, but they did it anyway. She knows there was a little coercion with Jax, but she believes if they thought she was bad for Wiley, there’s no way they would let her in his life. They gave her a chance. Willow says Nina is very kind to say all that, but Nina says she means it; she’s grateful. Michael says, so are they.

Maxie tells Carly, the situation with Wiley had gone bad, as she knows, and Nina wanted to get out of town to clear her head. She stopped by Nixon Falls to say hello to a friend, and she was floored when she saw Sonny. Carly says, so floored, she couldn’t tell them? and Maxie says, Nina told her that she did call to tell Carly that she saw Sonny, but they got in some kind of argument? Josslyn says, so now this is her mom’s fault? and Maxie tells her, she didn’t say that. Josslyn says her mom wasn’t nice to Nina, so that gave her the right to lie, and keep Sonny a secret for months? That is crap. Really? We can’t do better than that line?

Anna says she changed Valentin’s life? This should be good. He says it was miraculous seeing her again. She’d completely changed her life around. She’d gone from a sad, flawed, compromised sellout… She says, don’t hold back, and he says she’s become so much better. He admires her. He could never reach the level she’s reached, but she’s showed him that he can make better choices. She says she can see that; she sees him. He says he knows she does, and she says, she knows he sees her better than anyone does. He shakes his finger at her, and she tells him not to get all juvenile about this. He says, where has he heard this before? Not the juvenile part, but the other part. He knows – from himself. He’s been saying that all along. He gets her, right down to her socks. She says she’s not wearing any socks, and he says, that’s a good start. They kiss, and I’m so in.

Obrecht says, Peter and Maxie conceived a child together, and Drew says he thought Maxie had better instincts then that. She says, he won her over, and he was convincing. He completely sold Maxie on the fact that he was reformed. She fell for it too for a while. Maxie was her daughter-in-law, and Obrecht wanted to be on good terms with her. Drew asks how that worked out for her, and she snorts. She says, when Peter’s past was on the brink of haunting him, he framed her for his own crimes, and had her shipped off to Steinmaur. He says, so she was at Steinmaur, and they sent her here, but she says, there was this whole interstitial with Maxie realizing how despicable Peter was, rejecting him, and him arranging to induce her labor, so he could kidnap her and his child. Drew asks, what happened? and Obrecht says, it backfired. The woman he hired to preside over the birth, ended up stealing the baby, handing her over to someone else, and meeting an untimely end. So now that precious baby is out there, and Maxie doesn’t know where to find her. He says, so she thinks this was a set-up by Peter? and she says she’s positive. The only thing Peter cares about is finding his daughter. Which is clearly why he’s working with Victor. Drew asks, who the hell is Victor?  

Nina sits down, and Michael says, they’d forgotten how much Nina came through in the original custody hearing. She told the truth about Nelle, and he knows it made a huge difference. Nina says, at the time, she didn’t know Wiley was her grandson, and Michael says, he thought about that; if knowing what they know now would have changed what Nina said, but Willow says, it doesn’t matter. Nina came through for Wiley when he needed her, and they’ll always be grateful. Michael says, it was definitely a turning point in the custody fight, and Nina says, what she remembers about that day is, she just generally wanted to do the right thing. Even though in her heart she wishes things could have been different for Nelle, and for her, the fact that things turned out the way they did for Wiley, she’s thankful for. That part, she’ll never question or regret, because Wiley has them.

Josslyn says she’s sorry. She’s not mad at Maxie; it’s Nina she’s mad at. But she’s got to say, it kind of seems like Maxie is defending her. Maxie says she’s not defending Nina. What she did is indefensible, but does she feel empathy for Nina? Yes, because she’s been at a place in her life where she convinced herself – out of fear, anger, or pain – that doing something wrong was okay. She’s been there, and isn’t in a position to judge Nina. Is Carly? Right now I want to knock Josslyn and Carly’s heads together, so I vote no.  

Sonny tells Jason, he really hadn’t thought about it, since he was on his medication. He was doing well. Jason says he’s glad, and Sonny says, but Jason’s right. He’s got to check it out, take care of himself. Did Jason and Carly talk about this, about him? Jason says, of course (🍷). It’s a big deal that he’s back; it’s a lot to figure out. Sonny says, sorry Jason got stuck with this. All the hell Jason has been through, and he wasn’t there. Jason says it’s not Sonny’s fault, and Sonny says, no, it’s not. It’s Nina’s.

Valentin tells Anna that she’s a good kisser, and she says, they need to sober up. He says she told him that she wasn’t drunk, and she says, he needs to sober up. He asks where the fun is in that? and she says she’s going to get them a gallon of water and a gallon of coffee. Then they’re going to sober up, and go back to the hospital. He asks, what about her socks? and she says, oh boy. She goes to the bar and asks for water and coffee, but when she turns around, Valentin is passed out, his head on the table.   

Drew says, Victor Cassadine didn’t die in that explosion at Creighton-Clark? and Obrecht says, no, he survived, and he’s been pulling strings ever since. To what extent she’s not certain. All she knows is, on her way to St. Lucia… He says, St. Lucia? and she says, to take care of Peter, as he so richly deserved. She was abducted and wound up there, with a pit stop at Victor’s lavish compound. He says he bets she’s missing that place right about now, but she says, the company is better here. He says, let him get this straight. Victor and Peter are working together because Peter wants to find his daughter. She says, yes, and he says, but Peter is an incredible lowlife; Victor’s got to know that. She says, please. Anyone who’s met Peter for five minutes knows that, and he asks, what’s in it for Victor? Obviously, he’s not doing this out of the goodness of his heart, so what’s he getting out of this arrangement?   

Michael says Nina probably wants some alone time with Wiley, and suggests he and Willow take a walk. Willow says she’d like nothing more, and they leave. In the foyer, Willow asks if Michael got the feeling something is going on with Nina. She seems upset, or lost, or… Willow doesn’t know. He says, that’s probably part of the reason she’s here; seeing Wiley will be good for her. Willow says, it always does wonders for her. In the living room, Nina asks if she can help Wiley with his coloring and sits on the floor. She says she’s sorry she was gone for so long. They have to make up for lost time, right? Wiley says, yeah, and she says, lost time might be all we have left.

Jason asks what Sonny is talking about. Nina who? Sonny says, Nina Reeves, and Jason says he doesn’t understand. Sonny says, remember the Phyllis he told Jason about? She hired him to work at the bar. She was friends with Nina, and Nina left Port Charles to come and see Phyllis. She saw him, and knew that he was dead, but she saw him alive. Jason asks, for how long? and Sonny says, pretty much most of the time. Jason says, she knew and didn’t say anything to anybody? but Sonny says, it’s complicated. Jason says, it doesn’t sound that complicated to him, and Sonny says, what happened was, Nina was upset with Carly over the whole Nelle thing and Wiley… Jason says, he knows, but they went through hell. Carly and the kids were devastated. Now Sonny is telling him that they didn’t have to be devastated? That Nina held the key to all this pain, and didn’t use it? Sonny says he gets that Jason is angry, and he is also. Jason says Sonny isn’t angry enough.

Carly tells Maxie that she’s done terrible, questionable things, but that doesn’t justify what Nina did. She stole Sonny’s life for months, and for what? Out of spite? She literally took Sonny’s free will, and sat back and watched his family grieve, so no, Nina doesn’t get an excuse. Maxie says she doesn’t disagree with Carly, and Carly says, what Maxie did today was the opposite of what Nina did to Sonny. She kept him a secret because it suited her. Maxie told the truth because she believed Carly deserved to know. Maxie says she’s going to feel bad if she doesn’t say this, but she still loves Nina, even though Nina did something very wrong. Carly says, that’s the painful part of loving someone who messes up, but this was Nina’s choice, and she’s going to have to live with the consequences.

Anna tucks Valentin in. She smooths back his hair, and turns out the light. She leaves, and we see the tattoo of the Cassadine crest on his forearm.

Obrecht says Drew is a very shrewd man; he cuts right to the heart of it. Victor never does anything without an ulterior motive. There’s always a goal he’s working towards. He says, Peter is helping him achieve that goal, and she says, Peter has something Victor wants or needs, or plans to acquire. She hopes he gets it. When Peter is no longer of use to Victor, that will be the end of Peter August. He says, none of which helps them. He doesn’t know about her, but he can’t wait until it plays out between those two psychos. How are they going to get the hell out of here? She says, music to her ears, and they hear the door. Drew gets back on the cot, and Russ comes in, saying, time’s up. Obrecht says, this man is very ill. His kidney may be bruised, and she needs to see him again soon. Russ says he’ll tell the boss. Let’s go. Before she leaves, Obrecht turns and gives Drew a slight nod.

Anna asks the bar musician if he speaks English, and he says, yes. She says she’s headed to the U.S. Consul hospital to check on a patient there. Her friend is asleep upstairs, and she may not be back until morning. He says, not to worry. He’ll make sure her friend gets the message. She thanks him, and says she loved his playing. She leaves, and as he closes his guitar case, we see a tattoo matching Valentin’s on his forearm.

Jason says, Nina took nine months from Sonny. Nine months where he wasn’t living his life with his wife and kids. Why isn’t he furious? Sonny says he was furious, but what’s the point? Nina is a sad woman. Her mother screwed her over, she went through a bad period in her life. Then she finds out she had a child, and it’s Nelle. That would mess anyone up. He’s not making excuses; she absolutely should have told the truth. She made a bad decision. Jason says, it’s more than one bad decision. She took so much from Sonny. Sonny says he’s not happy about that, but he doesn’t see the point in wasting his energy on hating her. Maybe he doesn’t want to let himself get angry. He’ll have to talk to his psychiatrist about that one. Jason says, sounds like a plan, and Sonny says, let’s get out of here. He points at his gravestone, and says, get rid of it. It should have been gone yesterday.

Nina tells Wiley to say cheese as she takes selfies with him. Yuri comes in, and says, Wiley has another visitor. Nina says, of course (🍷) he does, because he’s irresistible. Carly walks in, and Nina suggests Yuri take Wiley. She thinks she and Carly will need time alone. She gives Wiley a fist bump as Yuri takes him. Carly closes the door and says, you stole Sonny’s life, and bitch, you’re going to pay.   

Tomorrow, Trina says, today Esme and Spencer are going to get what’s coming to them; Scotty tells Ava that it’s her call if she wants to stay married; Sonny asks if Jason left Britt for Carly; and Carly says Nina is going to pay (again).

Vanderpump Rules

LVP and Ken discussed reopening after lockdown, and met with Nick Alain. James practiced his DJ skills in the living room, using the applause button on his keyboard for response. We saw Lala’s daughter Ocean, and Lala putting breast milk in her coffee. Scheana was also a new mother to Summer Moon Honey. Wow. Pick a lane. In LVP’s interview, she said they’d been locked up for a year, and everyone wanted to come out and party. We’re back baby. Schwartz and Katie were trying for a baby, but so far, had no luck. Luckier on the business end, Schwartz was opening a new place with Tom. We saw clips of them in the unfinished space, and talking about the features they wanted to install. Since the two of them are d*cks, LVP had to be the one to ask about what she’d heard through the grapevine, and they were too scared to tell her. Puffy! They admitted they were going to open a new bar/restaurant, and Tom said they were thinking of calling it Schwartz & Sandy’s. In Katie’s interview, she said she thought the name didn’t convey the funky and fresh vibe the Toms were going for. She told Ariana that she wanted to get involved with the new bar, and in Ariana’s interview, she said, she and Katie had gotten close, but Katie and Tom had always clashed. She wasn’t too sure how he was going to feel about that. LVP told the Toms that she and Ken were supportive, and it was all good.

At SUR, LVP asked Raquel about James, and in Raquel’s interview, she said James was two years sober, and had made progress. He’d been sober since she’d given him the ultimatum. We flashed back to that, and she said, but he still smoked weed. He was California sober. James met with LVP, and told her that he’d been self-reflecting. In his interview, he said he was actually doing better without the alcohol; his DJ’ing was on another level now. He wanted to get back into SUR, and LVP asked if he understood the boundaries. He said he never saw everything as clear as he did now, but she had some receipts showing the opposite. He’d sent Max a series of rage texts, calling Max a pr*ck, and saying Max was fat and nobody liked him, using the word fat in nearly every text. James has zero body fat, which isn’t necessarily complimentary, but I don’t know if he just knows it’s an extremely hurtful thing to say, or he actually has some huge aversion to essentially a normal body type. Regardless, I guess he’s not seeing things as clearly as he thinks. He told LVP that he and Max had a big blow-out. The sad part was, he’d known Max for a decade, and this had to do with splitting a plate of food in a restaurant. James said it was one of those little bumps in a friendship, and Max had blocked him all over the place. LVP said she’d block him too. He acted like an a-hole.

In Scheana’s interview, she told us that she and Brock were seeing each other, the pandemic hit, they moved in together, and nine months later, they had a baby. She was sure he was the one, and knew she’d said that before, but she’d never felt this secure and in love. He is really cute with the baby, and just plain cute, so I think this is a win for her. In Lala’s interview, she talked about being pregnant, and how her kid just flipped out of the cookie. Yes, we saw pictures. She’d written a book, Give Them Lala, and said she’d been writing it for a year. We saw a headline where she talked about shoving Randall’s toothbrush up her butt when they’d had a fight, and she said Randall’s reaction had been, WTF? but now when she was pissed, he thought twice about brushing his teeth. She told Katie she’d had two babies this week, Ocean and the book. While visiting Lala, Katie got a text invite to Scheana’s hibachi birthday dinner, hosted by Tom and Ariana.

Brock asked Scheana if she was going to invite Lala, and Scheana said that it was upsetting that Lala hadn’t been there for her during her miscarriage. Instead, she’d gone out to dinner with celebrities. We saw a clip of Scheana’s vlog, where she wept while talking about her miscarriage, and she told Brock, it had been devastating. She’d needed Lala, but Lala was having dinner with Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly. At Lala’s place, Lala asked Katie, and where was Brock? Golfing. Scheana had gone on a podcast, and talked about Lala not being there for her, and Lala had gotten some intense messages. In Lala’s interview, she said she got DM’s saying she deserved to miscarry. She was having intense hormonal depression, and it sent her into a full-on spiral. Scheana told Brock, from day one, she had Lala’s back, while Lala told Katie that Scheana was not getting an apology. You could only smack the bee’s nest for so long before getting stung.

In Tom’s interview, he said it was going to be their first get-together in the new house. When they first moved in, people were judgy about them having no furniture, but now they could shut up. You get a chair! You get a chair! Everybody gets a chair! Scheana called Tom and Ariana to thank them, but really to tell Ariana that Lala had been talking smack about her on a podcast. Ready with the evidence, Scheana played a clip for Ariana, where Lala said, with Ariana, it is what it is. Ariana didn’t give a f*** about her, and vice versa. In Ariana’s interview, she said she didn’t give a f*** about 99% of people, but she’d gone out of her way to give a f*** about Lala. She’d opened up about her anxiety and body issues, and had let Lala eat her cookie. Tom wondered if Lala just wanted to be controversial, but Ariana said, if that was the case, don’t use her to get attention. She was over being chill and reasonable. F*** her.

LVP wanted Max to work it out with James, because Max was in the restaurant five days a week. She’d invited James over, and in James’s interview, he said it was like being called to the principal’s office when he was five. If that really happened, he must have been pretty mature at five. Most of us weren’t even in regular school yet. Is he Benjamin Button emotionally? In LVP’s interview, she said out of all the people on the planet, her son was the only person on James’s side. She thought it was a relationship worth saving. Discussing it in the kitchen, Max asked why James had been so aggressive, and James said Max complained about them charging $10 to split a plate. He went off because they’d taken a pre-workout supplement. Um… steroids? I don’t know many supplements that would jazz you that much. James said it brought out the Alpha male in him, and Max said he took the same thing, so why had he been chill? James said, Max hadn’t been chill. Max bummed him out over a ten dollar charge. Max said James was playing the victim. When James used to drink, it was an escapade of belligerence every time they went out, and now this. James said he didn’t mean any of it, but Max said he didn’t want James at SUR. Because James still can’t take any pushback, he told Max that he was just the boring little boy he’d always been – which was really smart to do in front of his mom – and Max walked out. LVP said, that didn’t go well, and James started crying, one of his go-to moves. LVP said he was responsible for the situation, and James wondered why he treated his friend like that. Seriously. It was one of those times where anything other than an apology is a bad idea.

Katie wanted be involved in the new restaurant, and told Schwartz, since they didn’t have a baby, that could be their baby. She wanted to be Hot Bitch in Charge. In Schwartz’s interview, he said, Katie didn’t like people, and the industry revolved around people. The theme for Scheana’s birthday was Mom’s Night Out, and she’d asked everyone to wear pink or black, because the only cute thing that fit her was a pink dress. Ariana was wearing pink, but said her soul was black. Tom made a special cocktail called Summer’s Eve, not knowing that was the name of a douche. Ariana asked if Scheana and Lala were going to duke it out. Magician Ben was introduced, and in Lala’s interview, she said, really? A magician for a grown-ass birthday party? She loved magicians, and thought they were super cool – when Randall got them for his child’s party. Ben’s finale was making Scheana’s ring disappear on a balloon that rose to the sky, then reappear in a wrapped box. In her interview, Lala added, okay. That was pretty dope. The chef and server, both Jonathans, appeared, and dinner was hibachied and served.

Katie told Tom that she wanted to be the maître d of the new place, and Tom said, okay, but it was one of those okays that doesn’t really mean okay. Schwartz said, Schwartz and Sandy sounded like they should be serving matzo ball soup. Agreed. It sounds like a Jewish deli. Katie said it was uninspired, and in Tom’s interview, he said he’d like to see the receipts of what she’s done, and her achievements of amazingness. Then there was this huge deal about the name, and Tom told Schwartz that he was done arguing with Katie; no more. James stood up like he was going to give a toast, and invited everyone to Palm Springs. There wasn’t going to be a Coachella this year, so he thought they could recreate it. Tom said they’d make their own Coachella. Scheana told Brock that she still needed to have a conversation with Lala, and grabbed Lala as she was going inside. She asked if Lala would sit down with her, and Lala was like, now? but Scheana was insistent. She said she’d needed Lala in Palm Springs. Lala didn’t understand how hard it had been for her. Lala said she’d answered every phone call, and offered to come. Scheana said she wanted to be by herself. When Scheana said she was ready to see Lala, she was on her way to dinner. She wasn’t there for Scheana the way Scheana wanted her to be, but she was there. She wasn’t apologizing. Scheana asked if Lala ever considered she wasn’t thinking clearly; she’d just lost a baby. Lala said she got that, but what Scheana had done wasn’t cool. The day she found out she was having a baby girl was the moment Scheana chose to publicly say Lala wasn’t there for her when she miscarried. She was already fighting depression, and got messages saying people hoped she miscarried Ocean. From the stands table, Ariana relayed to the others that Lala was crying. Something is happening. Lala says she gets what Scheana went through, but Scheana should have called and told Lala that she’d hurt her. Scheana said, that’s how she reacted, but she understood; from Lala’s perspective, she felt she was there. She was sorry she’d expected Lala to be a mind reader. Lala said they needed to get on the same page. She hated that they didn’t share their pregnancy experiences. Those were moments they couldn’t get back. She wanted their kids to be friends.

Raquel asked Lala if they were all right, and in Raquel’s interview, she said, time and again, she’d experienced the wrath of Lala. But she’d rather lead with compassion and empathy, than worry if Lala was going to lash out. Lala told Raquel that she hated how she and Scheana couldn’t get their pregnancies back, and weren’t communicating. She thought they’d had a breakthrough with their friendship, and wanted to stop with the pattern. Raquel said she didn’t know what to expect from Lala. She didn’t know where she stood. Lala said she liked Raquel her right now, and Raquel said she no longer felt she needed Lala’s approval, although she did for a long time. She was over it. instead of realizing Raquel was telling Lala that she’d grown as a person, Lala took it as an insult, and asked if Raquel was trying to battle her. Raquel said she wasn’t. She wanted them to be on the same page, but had felt attacked. Lala said she thought they’d moved on from that. Raquel needed to be babied more, so she’d baby her. Raquel said, just a little bit, making a joke out of it, and Lala said she’d baby the f*** out of her. The next time she wanted to rage, she’d redirect it to Charli. She seemed like a bitch who could take it. Ariana said Lala had raged about her out of nowhere on a podcast. Lala said she talked sh*t a lot because she wore her emotions on her sleeve. She and Ariana had been surface for a while, and she didn’t even hear from Ariana ever. Ariana said that wasn’t true, and Lala asked if It wasn’t true that Ariana didn’t give a f*** about her. Ariana said Lala wanted it to be, and it wasn’t true before, but it was now. Lala said she didn’t need this, and left. Ariana said Lala consistently gaslighted her, and never apologized.

Next time, Schwartz tells Katie that he and Tom have to present a united front; Katie could have sworn Schwartz said til death do us part to her, not Tom; the group goes to Palm Springs; Raquel does the bend-and-snap; and Lala and Charli go at it. And not in a good way.

🕺🕺 Here’s my take on the Toms. They were on Watch What Happens Live afterward, and Tom Sandoval is sooo full of himself. He says Tom Schwartz has a voice and can be aggressive, but I don’t believe that for a second. I think Sandoval steamrolls right over him, as evidenced during the name argument. Which, BTW, Sandoval won. The restaurant is going to be called Schwartz and Sandy’s. When there was a vote as to who was top guy now that Jax – still the worst human being in the world – is gone, Sandoval won that too. Schwartz said he was happy being number two, and I believe that.

🤵🏽 Nikolas For Now…

GH is temporarily recasting Nikolas. There’s no explanation, but I’m guessing positive covid test, or family emergency and his scenes were already written.

Adam Huss Is the Temporary Nikolas Recast on GENERAL HOSPITAL

🦽 Keep On Wheelin’…

It took 58 years, but she finally did it.

Meet GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Very Special Guest Star!

🧛🏻 Good Vampires Never Die…

This sounds intriguing, and Ian Buchanan is the perfect choice.

Inside ‘Dark Shadows and Beyond: The Jonathan Frid Story’

💔 Real Break-Up…

I guess Vicki realized even a wedding wasn’t going to save her.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1304102/real-housewives-vicki-gunvalson-and-steve-lodge-break-up-2-years-after-engagement

⚰️ Playing Dead…

And just for the record, contrary to EW’s belief, the TWD episode using the subway cars was not like Train to Busan.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-on-the-inside-connie-virgil-daryl-angela-kang-interview/

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-commonwealth-out-of-the-ashes-angela-kang/

✨ Starlight, Starbright…

Join me tomorrow for some soap and a look into the life of Erika Jayne Girardi, otherwise known as RHOBH. Until then, stay safe, stay environmentally conscious, and stay knowing that when it’s your choice, you have to live with the consequences.

Sep18

September 17, 2021 – Wedding Day Surprises, a Thought, In Memoriam, Keeping On, No Support, L.A. House, Patrick For the Win, Wives In Jep, Wrong Side, Sneaky Pup, New Digs, Tributes, Ten-Spot Of Quotes & Rod’s Maggie

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Jason and Carly light the memorial candle, as the minister says, this candle burns in the memory of those we’ve loved and lost. Our loved ones may be gone, but they’re never far from our hearts.

Sonny lies unconscious, the Tan-O burning around him. He opens his eyes and says, Carly.

Nina tells the fire chief, he has to find a way inside. Mike/Sonny is trapped in there; they have to get him out. He says they’re doing the best they can. Phyllis says, she heard the fire captain; it’s too dangerous. Nina says, too dangerous to save a life? and Phyllis says, there’s no way he survived this much time in that fire. He’s gone, and they have to accept that.

Jax says, come on, Maxie. Pick up the damn phone.

At the wedding, Maxie looks at her phone. Austin says, catering crisis? and she says, Jax knows she’s at the wedding. Why is he calling? Across the aisle, Epiphany clears her throat, and gives Maxie a stern look. The minister reads from Genesis about man and wife becoming one flesh.

Nina asks Jax what he’s doing, and he says he’s trying to reach Maxie. He needs to tell her that Peter set a fire in Nixon Falls to kill her and Phyllis. Mostly, she has to know Peter is alive and on the run. Nina says, forget Peter. They have to get Sonny out of that building before it’s too late.

Sonny struggles to get up.

The minister says, blah-blah-blah about marriage, and all the couples glance at each other. He says, as Jason and Carly give themselves to each other today, let their love be an example – Gladys steals Novak’s pocket square to dab at her eyes – and inspiration to them all.  Austin asks if Maxie is okay, and she says she was just thinking about how happy she was when she was marrying Peter. That would have been an epic mistake. But watching Carly and Jason just feels right.

Nina makes a move to go back in the Tan-O, but Jax grabs her. He says she heard the fire captain. The building is on fire. Any attempt to rescue Sonny now will just result in more loss of life. There’s nothing they can do. She says, he’s still alive, and she has to get him out, but he asks how she’s going to do that? The front door’s blocked, the back hallway’s engulfed in flames. She says, he’s in there. They have to find him. They have to find Mike. Jax says, Nina, and she says, what does the name matter? There’s a man trapped in a burning building. They have to help him. She collapses, crying in Jax’s arms.

Sonny tries to push the beam off his back.

The minister says, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes it was instituted by God. Only for making babies. Just kidding; he didn’t say that last part. Into this union, Carly and Jason come to be joined. If any of them there today can show just cause why they may not be lawfully married, speak now or forever hold thier peace. I have to mention, I’ve been to a lot of weddings, and even had one myself, and have never, ever heard this at a real wedding. Monica tells Ned, she keeps thinking Tracy is going to barge in there, and do anything to keep Carly from marrying into this family again. No one says anything, but there’s a lot of looking around. The minister says, good. They can proceed. He asks them if they have any reason not to get married, and to say it now before God and all these witnesses. That’s a new one on me.

Sonny finally gets the beam off, and stands up, but he falls back down to his knees, and coughs.

Carly and Jason begin their vows. I study Carly’s floral hair ornament. Ned tells Olivia, it reminds him of their wedding, and she says, her too. Gladys noisily blows her nose into Novak’s pocket square. Trina says, Joss looks so beautiful, and Cameron says he knows. The minster asks if the audience witnesses will do everything in their power to uphold this union, and everyone says they will. Novak and Buscema exchange looks.

Nina says she has to find Mike, which is getting pretty old. Jax says, it’s no use. He’s not going to let her throw her life away. Phyllis says she loves Mike too, but it’s too late to save him. I might be able to take this more seriously if Nina didn’t keep looking around like Carrie did at the end of Carrie. Nina says, it’s not too late, and Jax says he’s going to get them checked out by doctors, but Nina says she won’t leave Mike. She sinks to her knees, crying, and saying, it’s not too late.

Carly and Jason say all the traditional stuff, and exchange rings.

Jax tells Nina that he’s taking her and Phyllis over to the clinic to get checked out. They help Nina up.

The minister pronounces Carly and Jason, husband and wife. Everyone applauds. He says, those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. Everyone chuckles, which is really weird.

Jax asks if Nina is all right, and she shrugs off his arm. She and Phyllis watch the Tan-O burn, and Phyllis says, it’s all gone. She collapses, and Jax calls for a medic. Nina says, oh my God, and runs for the back of the Tan-O. Jax says, Nina, no, like she might listen. Behind the Tan-O, Sonny is walking out as Nina runs up. He slumps down, and she holds him.

Jason kisses his bride. Everyone applauds again, and they get a standing ovation.

Nina rocks Sonny, and tells him that he’s going to be okay.

Josslyn gives Carly the bouquet, and says she’s happy for them. Carly says she’s happy too, and Jason says, him too. The Wedding March plays, and they walk out to more applause. Outside the chapel, Jason asks what they do now, and Carly says, they shake a lot of hands and kiss a lot of cheeks. He says, that’s one option, and she asks what he’s talking about. He says, let’s go, takes her hand, and they jet.

Jax runs over to where Nina is with Sonny, and she says, he made it. Jax calls for the paramedics, who bring a stretcher over. Jax pulls her away, and suggests he take her to the clinic, but she says she’s not leaving. He almost died because of her, and she’s not going to let him die. He has too much to live for.

Olivia tells Ned and Monica, when she first heard about Carly marrying Jason, she thought it was all kinds of wrong. Sonny’s not gone even a year. Ned asks if she told Carly this, and she says, she would have, if Carly had asked, but luckily she didn’t, so she kept her big mouth shut. She’s so happy she did. Did he see Carly? She was so happy. She was positively glowing. Monica says she certainly had her doubts. Why wouldn’t she? Carly single-handedly destroyed AJ’s life (she says this like AJ had nothing to do with it). But a lot of time has passed, and Jason seems genuinely happy. Ned asks if she’s saying she approves, and she says she doesn’t know. Maybe she’s just a sucker for weddings.

Diane asks Spinelli if he’s feeling a bit melancholy, and he says, he and Ellie agreed to part ways, but he does miss her. He knows in his heart, it’s for the best. She would not have approved of today’s events. Diane says, the ceremony or the guest list? and he says, he understands the necessity of having certain business associates in attendance, but doesn’t she think they put a kind of pal on the festivities? She says, considering Carly and Jason got married to send a message to said guests, it only makes sense they’d be there to receive it. He asks if she doesn’t think they detract from the ambiance, and she laughs, saying, oh please. She thinks Carly and Jason could have cared less. She thinks they were completely oblivious. He says, that’s true. The bride and the groom seemed to have eyes for no one but each other.

Willow says she’s so proud of Michael, and he says, for handing off the ring? She says, yes. For not doing that thing he does where he pretends he can’t find the ring. That is so lame. He says, with Jason as the groom and his mom as the bride? Is she kidding him?

Austin tells Maxie, if it’s going to make her unhappy to talk to Jax, don’t do it. She says she’s not even thinking about Jax, and he’s going to have to wait. She has a job to do. She goes over to Diane, who tells her the ceremony was gorgeous, and the flowers are beautiful. Congratulations on a job… Maxie says, don’t compliment her just yet. They haven’t even gotten to the reception venue. She turns to Spinelli, and says, and on that subject, the DJ has not checked in yet. Can he check on that for her? She’ll text him his contact information. Spinelli says, on it, and leaves.

Gladys says if Brando wants to check on his baby mama before the reception, don’t worry about her. Vincent will make sure she gets there safely. He says, except the Novaks do make him worry.

Woo approaches Novak and Buscema, and says, it was a lovely ceremony, don’t they think? Novak says, no doubt about it. They’re legally married now. Buscema says, which makes them twice as dangerous in his book. 

Bobbie wonders where the bride and groom are, and Epiphany says she thought the receiving line was going to be at the church. Josslyn says, her mom and Jason wouldn’t just take off, would they? but Michael says, they’re not here. Josslyn says, so the question is, where’d they go? 

Jason and Carly go to where she was getting dressed, and he says he can’t believe she came with him, no questions asked. She says, he knows she trusts him completely, and he says, it’s the no questions part that surprised him. She says she thought he could use a break from all the pomp and circumstance. She was impressed he made it through the entire ceremony without wanting to bolt. He says he’d never leave her, and kisses her hand. They sit, and she says, there was this moment when she looked up at Monica smiling at her. And her mom had tears in her eyes, and Josslyn and Michael were grinning from ear to ear. He says, it’s not just about them. It’s about their friends and family; their people. She says she loves the sound of that. Their friends, their family, their life together. He says, starting now, and they almost kiss, but Josslyn and Michael walk in. Josslyn says, don’t let them interrupt, and Carly says, it’s not fair; sneaking up on them. They’re newlyweds, remember? Josslyn says she knows. Everyone’s out there waiting for them. That’s why she and Michael came to find them. Carly says she promised the church secretary that she’d clear out of there, and she wanted to get started. Michael asks if she doesn’t have people for that, and Josslyn says she doesn’t know if Carly has people, but she has a maid of honor and a best man. That sounds like a job for them. Michael says, not to mention, there’s a wedding planner that’s going to have a major breakdown if Carly deviates from her schedule any longer. Carly says, it sounds like they’re being kicked out, and Jason says he thinks so. Carly says, all kidding aside, she thanks Josslyn and Michael for standing up for them and making the day special. She loves them so much. Josslyn tells Jason, she’d say welcome to the family, but he’s already a part of it. Jason says he’ll take it anyway, and they hug. Michael awkwardly hugs Jason, and tells them, get out here.   

Epiphany asks if Bobbie has any guess where her daughter and brand new son-in-law are, and Bobbie says, no. Her biggest worry was if anyone was going to object. Epiphany asks if Bobbie really thought someone was going to do that, and Bobbie says, she didn’t? Epiphany says, like who? Bobbie says she happens to know Jax is not happy with who Josslyn’s new stepdad is Jason, and Epiphany says she’s glad he realized the ceremony wasn’t the place to air his objections. Bobbie says, he’s not entirely wrong, but he’s not taking into account the bond between Jason and Carly, and how committed they are to each other and their family, which of course (🍷) includes Josslyn. Maxie comes out, and asks where the bride and groom are. See this schedule on her phone? Every minute of the day is planned, and there’s no room for Jason and Carly to go rogue. Olivia says, here are the newlyweds, and Maxie goes over to them, asking where they’ve been. Carly says, they just needed a minute alone, and Epiphany says, mm-hm. Well, they’re here now. Let them congratulate the couple. Everyone applauds.

Inside the chapel, Gladys tells Novak that they should join everyone. He tells her to go be with her son. He’ll be there in a moment. She says, he’d better, and leaves. Novak asks Buscema what he thinks. Should they join everyone? Buscema says, why not? Carpe diem. Novak says, seize the day, just in case someone didn’t know what that meant, and Woo says, most people forget the rest of that famous quote. Quam minimum credula postero. Buscema says, which means? and she says, don’t put your trust in tomorrow.

Outside, Epiphany is hugging Jason, and Bobbie says, that’s one long hug. Epiphany says, is she kidding? Jason is the groom. It’s the one time he has to let her hug him. She goes back for seconds, and everyone laughs. Monica says, congratulations, and Ned tells Carly, welcome to the family… again. Olivia says she’s glad to have another ally, and Carly says she can’t wait. Woo approaches, and tells Carly, it was a beautiful ceremony. Thanks again for inviting her. Carly says, of course (🍷), and Woo says, and the groom. She hugs Jason, whispers something in his ear, and tells Carly that she’ll see her at the reception. Woo leaves, and Carly looks at Jason.

At the clinic, Nina coughs, and Jax says, she needs to get herself checked, but she says she’s fine. She coughs some more, and he says, if a doctor says she’s fine, he’ll stop bugging her, but she may have an injury she’s not aware of. She says, she may see a doctor later, but right now, her focus is on Mike. He was in that fire a lot longer than she was. Jax gives her a look, and she says she knows who he is – Sonny. She’s not delusional. He tells her, he didn’t say she was, but she hasn’t been thinking clearly for months. He knows there’s no love lost between her and Carly, and she may not care how Carly is affected by this, but Sonny is a father. His kids have been missing him for almost a year, and that includes Josslyn. He asks if she remembers when they were dating, how close she and Josslyn were. Josslyn’s been missing her stepfather for months. That must mean something to her. This has to stop. She understands, right? He’s not keeping this secret. Keeping Sonny from his kids would just be cruel. A doctor comes out, and Nina asks how he is, but the doctor keeps moving. Phyllis follows, and Nina asks her how he is. She says, he’s conscious, but he’s inhaled a lot of smoke. Nina says, but he’s going to be okay, right? and Phyllis says, the doctor told her it was a miracle he survived. Nina asks if she can see him, and Phyllis looks at Jax. She says, he wants to see Nina, but Jax says, don’t do it. Let the doctors deal with it. Nina goes in anyway.

Nina goes into the examining room, and Sonny sits up. He’s wearing and oxygen mask, and Nina says he should lie back down after everything he’s been through. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s fine, thanks to him and Jax. She calls him Mike, and says if he hadn’t risked his life… He takes the mask off, and says, his name’s not Mike. It’s Sonny. She’s always known that. He remembers everything. And he means everything. Oh man, is he going to be all mean about this now?

Michael tells Josslyn, people are waiting, and she says she knows. She was just thinking, most of her friends don’t believe in marriage. That makes complete sense. Her mom’s been divorced, her dad’s been divorced, Trina’s parents are divorced, Cam’s mom is divorced… but she doesn’t know. Seeing her mom and Jason be so excited to commit to each other, she finds it refreshing and encouraging. Or is she just being hopelessly naïve? Michael says he’d use a lot of words to describe her, but naïve isn’t one of them. She says, the whole notion that everyone gets just one great love in their life, if that was the case, she’s already had Oscar. Does that mean she’s going to be alone for the next 60 years? Is that what the universe wants? He says he can’t imagine any universe wanting her to be alone for the rest of her life, and she says, what about him and Willow? She knows the first time they got married, it was to secure custody of Wiley, but are they getting married again, this time because they’re in love? He says he doesn’t want to get ahead of things, but it’s definitely a possibility. She hugs him, and says, it’s such a happy day, and he suggests they get out there. They don’t want to miss what happens next.   

Gladys comes back into the chapel, and tells Novak that she knows he said to go along without him, but patience isn’t her strong suit. She just doesn’t want him to miss anything. He says he’s sorry, but something’s come up. He has business to attend to. She says she was looking forward to dancing with him, and he says, if he wraps it up quickly, he’ll be happy to dance with her. Brando comes in, and asks if everything is okay. Novak tells him to make sure his mother has a good time. He has to sort out some business. He’ll join her if he can. Gladys says she’s going to hold him to that, and Brando suggests they go join everyone. Buscema says, from what I hear, the reception is going to be a real blow out. Brando takes note of this, and I say, oh come on.

Austin tells Maxie, the guests are happy, the bride and groom are smiling. Nice job, wedding planner Maxie. She can relax for a little while now. She says, a wedding planner’s job is not done until the last tuna tartare has been eaten, and the final dance is over. She wonders why Jax called. He never calls her. He knows she’s at a wedding. Granted, a wedding he’s not very happy about, but still, it’s Carly and Jason’s big day. Spinelli flings himself at Jason, hugging him.

Phyllis tells Jax, it was one thing to hear the truth about Mike being Sonny; it was another to see it for herself. That man with Mike’s face is someone different. Kind and appreciative, but a  whole different energy. He says, she just met Sonny Corinthos. She says, Nina knew who he was the entire time, and he says, unfortunately, yes, she did.

Nina says she can see it in Sonny’s eyes; he’s different now. He says it took a near-death experience to remind him of who he was before he washed up in Nixon Falls. She says, the good news is, she doesn’t have to lie anymore. They can start from scratch. Knowing who he was before, and knowing the kind of connection they made together… He says, she really believes that? and she says, the name Mike might be false, but the way they feel about each other is real. He asks why she did it, and she says, if he remembers everything, his memories as Sonny, but also as Mike, then he already knows the answer.

Maxie asks if everyone has their bubble makers ready, and Epiphany says, locked and loaded. Maxie says, okay, people. It’s time for bubbles. Inside, Michael tells Jason and Carly they’re going to be drowning bubbles. Carly takes Jason’s hand, and they walk out between the two lines of guests. Bubbles fill the air, and they kiss.

In a limo, Buscema says, now that he and Novak are alone, not to mention away from Gladys, they can speak freely. He knows Novak has questions. Novak asks if the plan was Cyrus’s idea, and Buscema says, Cyrus is in maximum security; that’s not changing. But Cyrus is right about one thing. The world is about to be a better place without Jason and Carly in it.

In their limo, Carly tells Jason, they did it. Even with a church full of Quartermaines, Corinthoses, and business associates, lightning didn’t strike the steeple. He says, let’s not get over-confident. They still have the whole reception to get through. She says she’s not worried. They deserve their happy ending, and they’re going to get it – or die trying. Why the hell would she put it that way?

On the phone, Epiphany says she understands… She’ll see them soon. Bobbie says, let her guess. GH needs her. Epiphany nods, and says, save me a piece of cake? and Bobbie says she will.

Diane says, Spinelli doesn’t approve of Maxie’s date? and Spinelli says, Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt. He barely knows the man. Diane laughs, and says, she highly doubts that. He says he barely knows Austin personally. He’s well acquainted with Austin’s history and online presence. She says, he did a deep dive, and he says, for good reason. He’s challenging Edward’s will; he wants a piece of ELQ. She asks, who’s representing him? and he says he believes it’s Scotty. She wonders why no one reached out to her. She did the probate for Edward’s will, and knows all of the provisions. What say the two of them get to know Dr. Gatlin-Holt a little better? He says, by all means. If she’ll excuse the observation, he does seem to be hovering a little close to Maxie. Perhaps they could give her a break. He’s sure she would be most grateful. As would he. Diane laughs, and they walk over. Diane says, Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt, I presume, and introduces herself. She says, you’re a Quartermaine. They’re just coming out of the woodwork. Come. Tell me things about yourself. He excuses himself, and Maxie says, did Spinelli ask Diane to do that? He says he thought she might want Austin out of the room when he passed along the instructions from the DJ. She says, right. Did the DJ get back to him? She steers him out at a fast clip.

Gladys tells Brando, wasn’t that sweet of Vincent to promise to meet her at the reception? Brando says, that’s not exactly what he heard, but maybe if they’re lucky, Novak’s business will keep him busy all night. She says she hopes fatherhood teaches him to be more trusting of people. Not everyone is out for number one.

Sonny asks Nina how he’s supposed to know the reasons for her keeping his true identity a secret. She tells him, think back to when she and Phyllis were trapped in the fire. He told her that he loved her, and it gave her the strength to fight for her life, and survive. Doesn’t that prove to him that what they have is real? He says, he can’t do it. He’s got to see his wife. He gets off the examining table, and she says, if he leaves there, she wants him to know something. That she honestly loves him. He tells her, don’t say that.

Carly says, when they were in the receiving line, Mrs. Woo whispered something to Jason. What did she say? He says, she was confirming something he already knew.

Buscema looks at his watch, and tells Novak, the surprise should be happening at any moment. Novak says, Gladys took his pocket square. Like he’d want it back after she blew her nose in it. Buscema says, relax. The device has been planted. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan’s love story is about to come to a violent end. Something blinks from underneath the car.

Carly tells the driver, step on it. They can’t wait to celebrate with their family and friends.

A button is pressed, and there’s an explosion near the chapel.

The text says: In Loving Memory of Joseph Behar, Director

On Monday, Valentin tells Anna that he’ll shoot someone on sight (probably Peter), Maxie says she could use a bride and groom, Nina tells Sonny he can’t leave, and Sonny says, try and stop him.

💡 Even though they didn’t show it, I’m guessing it’s Novak and Buscema’s limo that’s blown to bits.

📺 Who He Was…

GH’s Joseph Behar.

Joseph Behar, Director of DAYS and GH, Dead At 94

👱🏾‍♀️ New Normal…

I’m all for getting your blonde wig on, but is it me, or is she looking more like Kim Zolciak these days?

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/nene-leakes-husband-3/

👎 No Vote For You…

It’s not Vicki’s year.

Vicki Gunvalson’s Son-in-Law Ryan Culberson Won’t Support Steve Lodge’s Run for Governor as He and Briana Officially Confirm They’re Having a Girl

🏰 It’s That House…

JoshF shows off his Million Dollar Listing. Amazing photos of the tiles. I forgot to mention, the people who bought it want to remove them. I think I immediately blocked it from my mind.

https://www.bravotv.com/million-dollar-listing-los-angeles/style-living/josh-flaggs-copa-doro-listing-see-inside

🍾 Scene Stealer…

He was an angel at the dinner from hell.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/kathy-hilton-butler-patrick-rhobh-cast-reacts

⚖️ Which One…?

While they both have serious problems, still, First World. But who has it worse? Jen Shah…

https://extratv.com/2021/09/10/rhoslc-star-whitney-rose-talks-jen-shah-s-legal-drama-and-how-she-s-doing-after-her-arrest/

https://okmagazine.com/p/real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-lisa-barlow-says-co-star-jen-shah-fighting-for-her-freedom/

Or Erika Jayne. You decide.

RHOBH’s Erika Jayne is Offered a Settlement Deal After Claiming $24 Million in Losses in Over 10 Years According to Attorney, Details of Deal Revealed

https://www.etonline.com/bethenny-frankel-says-she-was-aware-of-erika-jayne-and-tom-girardis-money-issues-years-ago-172257

🥈 Runner Up…

Or Kelly, who is her own worst enemy.

Kelly Dodd Calls Out Andy Cohen for Saying She’s on “Wrong Side of History” and Insists History “Supports Her Opinions” on Pandemic

🐶 Pay No Attention To That Dog In the Picture…

I don’t normally follow the royals, but I loved this.

https://people.com/royals/james-middleton-alizee-thevenet-married/

🏘 Real Estate Therapy…

I’m going to miss Metul. He turned me on to butter chicken.

PHOTO: Southern Charm’s Naomie Olindo Shares Pic of New Home as Fan Applauds Her as “Breakup Inspiration” After Split From Metul

🌠 Funny Guy Gone…

Tributes to Norm MacDonald.

https://people.com/tv/late-night-hosts-pay-tribute-to-norm-macdonald-after-his-death/

https://ew.com/tv/stars-pay-tribute-late-comedian-snl-alum-norm-macdonald/

🐬 Quotes of the Week

Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power. – Clint Eastwood (This was before he started talking to empty chairs.)

Diligence is the mother of good fortune. – Miguel de Cervantes

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle

A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read. – Mark Twain

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Don’t wait. The time will never be just right. – Napoleon Hill

Here’s your reminder that you are not a robot. You’re a human being, and that means some days aren’t productive, some days are messy, and some days are just for living life – and that’s okay. – Georgie Collinson, naturopath

Happiness is not a goal, it’s a by-product. – Eleanor Roosevelt

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself. – Harvey Fierstein

If you’d have a drink, I’d make a lot more sense. – Nucky (Steve Buscemi), Boardwalk Empire

⚔️ Ending the Week…

It’s that time again. The time those using the traditional calendar system call the weekend. And for those making lines on a cave wall, it’s two more of those. It’s when I switch gears, and write interviews, the latest of which is Thaao Penghlis – the original Victor Cassadine – streaming on YouTube at 2 pm, Sunday, on Mupo & Friends. Be there or be a rectangle. Until I see you on the Deadside, stay safe, stay practical when life calls for it, and stay seizing the day. Don’t put your trust in tomorrow.

Sep4

September 3, 2021 – Two Pre-Wedding Parties, Victor Who, Pioneer Return, Who’s On, Holiday Film, Debbi’s Drama, Livestream Soap, Just a Cold, Refresh, NYC News, More Erika, Sad Goodbye, Mauricio Talks, GoT Alums, Exactly Eleven Quotes & Real Job

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

At The Savoy, Curtis tells Nika that he just got confirmation the party is on their way. She says she can’t believe three guys booked the club for the whole night. He says, believe it, and tells her to make sure the drinks are filled and everyone is having a good time. Sam comes in, and tells Curtis that she has news about Drew’s plane crash. He suggests they go someplace else, and she says they don’t have to go anywhere; it won’t take long. He says he might not have to, but she might want to.

Dante sits at the MetroCourt bar, when Olivia comes in. He says he didn’t think she was working tonight, and she says she’s not. She’s on her way to Carly’s bachelorette party. She’s helping set it up, and has a surprise that’s going to blow Carly’s mind. So, is he seeing Sam tonight?

On the phone, Brando tells his boss that he’ll do what he’s paid for. Doesn’t he always?

Sasha sees Willow arriving at the party by the pool (🍷), and says she wasn’t sure Willow was going to be there between nursing school, Wiley, and everything else she’s got going on. Willow says, when Olivia invited her, she decided she was going to treat herself to a break. She doesn’t know if anyone told Sasha, but there’s definitely good news; Chase can walk again. Sasha says, fantastic, and Willow says she’s so happy for him. Sasha asks if something else is going on, and Willow says, Chase learned she and Michael were together before they could tell him themselves. Sasha says she’s so sorry, and Willow says she put off telling Chase, and only ended up hurting him worse. Sasha says, it was an impossible situation; she did the best she could. If Chase doesn’t realize that now, she’s sure he will eventually in time. Please tell her that she and Michael are happy. Willow says, very happy. What about Sasha and the baby? Sasha says, the baby is fine, and Willow says, and the mommy? Sasha says she’d feel better if she knew for certain Brando isn’t working for the mob again. Josslyn and Bobbie come by, and Josslyn says, Carly is on her way. Bobbie tells them to get ready, and Carly walks in. They yell, surprise!

Curtis tries to steer Sam away, and she asks, what is this? Why is she suddenly not welcome there? He says he’ll explain it later, but right now he has to get her out of there. Spinelli comes in with Michael, saying, a proper sendoff is in order, and a proper sendoff he shall have, and Michael says, it’s what his dad would have wanted. Spinelli sees Sam, and says, greetings and salutations, fair Samantha. Forgive him for asking, but what is she doing there? She asks if she’s not supposed to be there, when Jason walks in. Curtis says, this is why he wanted her out of there, and Michael tells Jason, one drink, a couple of toasts, and they’re gone. Spinelli says, maybe two drinks… Okay, one drink is acceptable. The point is to celebrate Jason’s nuptials. Jason looks trapped.

Phyllis sees the outside table, and tells Mike/Sonny, it looks lovely; like an outside café. They could be in Paris instead of Nixon Falls. He says it was his idea. His first official date with Nina. She asks how it went, and he says, it was great… until they ran into a roadblock. He doesn’t think there’s any way around it.

Ava asks what Jax could possibly have to say to her about Nina, and he says, it’s about his visit to her in Nixon Falls. She says she heard the highlights. He played the hero, and two robbers got shot in the process. He says he stopped one of the robbers, and Nina’s new boyfriend stopped the other. She says, the mysterious new boyfriend. The one who replaced him. Jax asks what Ava knows about him.

Spinelli says, libations are certainly in order. Can they head to the bar? Sam asks if she can speak to the man of the hour, and Jason tells Spinelli to order him a beer. Michael urges Spinelli toward the bar, and Sam tells Jason, tomorrow’s the big day. He says, it is, and she says she’s sure the wedding will be everything he and Carly want. He says, Maxie is working on it, and she says she’s sure Maxie is. She wishes them all the best. He thanks her, and says he wishes the same for her. He goes to the bar, and Curtis asks if Sam is okay. She says she will be. She’s had a lot of time to digest that Carly and Jason are getting married. Carly has always been really important to Jason, so was Sonny. Most of the time, Jason chose Carly first. Now he doesn’t have to choose anymore.

At the bar, Spinelli says, it never occurred to him that fair Samantha might be there, and Jason says, it’s fine. Michael says, it’s still pretty awkward. Jason didn’t want a bachelor party in the first place. Jason says, actually, he was wrong. He and Carly are getting married tomorrow; it deserves to be celebrated. They clink glasses.

Carly says, oh my God. How did she not know they were planning this? Josslyn says they fooled Carly Corinthos, and Carly says, Olivia told her that the pool (🍷) was reserved for a Sweet 16 birthday party. Bobbie says they didn’t want her to know what they were up to, and they wanted to tell her they love her. Josslyn adds, and how happy they are she’s marrying Jason, and Carly says, so there’s no imaginary Sweet 16 party she has to take care of? Josslyn says, all she needs to do is relax and enjoy herself, and Carly says, with her favorite people there, how could she not? Carly says, it’s so lovely, and Josslyn says, and exciting. It’s the day before her wedding day. Carly says she’s starting to feel like a real bride, and Bobbie asks why she’d say that. Of course (🍷) she’s a real bride.

Sonny tells Phyllis that Nina said she doesn’t want to get closer to him until he finds out who he is. She said when he finds out who he is, he’s not going to want to see her anymore. (That’s not exactly what she said, but okay.) What does he do with that? She says, his feelings for Nina are real. That has to count for something. Nina comes in, and asks Phyllis how she is. Then she says, that’s a really dumb question. Forget she said that. Phyllis says, she’ll always be grieving for Lenny, but she knows he wouldn’t want her life to stop. He’d want her to live it to the fullest; to find joy where she can. And since he’s not there to ask Nina, she’ll ask for him. Why can’t the two of them simply live in the moment?

Jax asks Ava to please tell him everything she knows about Nina’s new boyfriend in Nixon Falls, and she says, jealousy doesn’t become him. And she’s certainly not going to confide in the man who conspired to keep from Nina the death of her daughter; a daughter she didn’t even know she had, and is now dead. He says she can’t even imagine how sorry he is for his actions, but believe it or not, he’s trying to help Nina now. She tells him, just go. They’re done here. He flashes back to Josslyn telling him that the sauce is exactly like Sonny’s, and Trina picked it up in a bar in Nixon Falls. He says he’s not leaving until Ava gives him some answers.

Dante asks how many times he has to tell Olivia, his personal life is just that – personal. She says he is seeing Sam, and she thinks that’s great. He says he’s glad she thinks it’s great. They’re meeting there to investigate something. She says, right, and he says, stop. She says she’ll leave him to it. She has to make sure everything is right for Carly’s party, especially the entertainment. It’s going to be such a surprise. She leaves, and Brando comes out of the elevator, carrying a duffel bag. He asks Dante how it’s going, and Dante says, no complaints. He congratulates Brando on becoming a father, and Brando asks if he’s got any tips. Dante says, don’t mess it up. Brando laughs, and Dante says just do the best he can; trust his instincts. Brando says he met Rocco a few times while Sonny was still with them. He seems like a great kid. Dante says, he is a great kid. He’s excited to have a cousin on the way. Sonny would have loved to be there to see Brando become a father. Sasha approaches them, and asks what Brando is doing there. Dante says he’ll see them, and jets. Brando says he’s there on a job, and she says, one of those side gigs he mentioned? He says, one of them, and she asks if he’s going to tell her which one. He says he’s making sure the baby has whatever he or she needs, and then some once it’s born. She says just promise her whatever he’s doing is not mob related, and he says, trust him. He thought she was supposed to be at Carly’s bachelorette party, and she says she was taking a break to powder her nose, which is probably a poor choice of words for her. He says, Carly’s party is there? and she says, out by the pool (🍷). Call her later after his mysterious side gig. She leaves, and Dante comes back. Brando tells Dante that he has a problem.

Sam says she found out some information on Drew’s plane crash that she thinks Curtis will find interesting, and he says, information is only as good as the source. She says she and Dante were able to get ahold of the WSB files on Drew’s plane crash, and it was a charter flight, not a private rental. And there was another passenger on board, but the name wasn’t listed. It was paid for by a company called Leethy Unlimited. He wonders why the name sounds familiar, and she says, because it was the parent company for a clinic in Scarsdale called Creighton-Clark. He says he knows that name from somewhere, and she says, it burned down before he came to Port Charles, but Drew was held captive there, and Nina was a patient, along with a lot of other people. He says he knows where he heard the name from; when he was searching for Nina’s daughter. She asks if he knows anybody who worked there, and he says he just might.

Spinelli says he’s so glad to be out socializing. It’s a welcome break from heartache. Ellie is adamant that their parting be permanent. He asks Michael to please tell him that he’s luckier in the romance department, and Michael says he hates to break it to Spinelli, but he is luckier. He and Willow are together, and they couldn’t be happier. Spinelli says he’ll drink to that.

Olivia tells Willow, talk to her. There’s obviously a huge change in her relationship with Michael. Brook implied that there were some developments, but she wouldn’t go into any details, so she came to the source. What’s going on? Willow says it’s very complicated, and she definitely could have handled things better. She suggests they talk in the next day or two; after Carly’s party. Olivia says, just so she’s clear, Willow and Michael are a couple? Willow says they are, and Olivia says, Chase is a great guy, but between the two of them, she always thought Willow and Michael belonged together. Willow says, they agree. It just took them a while to figure it out. Olivia says Willow looks happy, and she’s happy for her, and they hug.

Carly tells Bobbie that she can’t wait to marry Jason. It’s just been a whirlwind trying to get everything ready. Bobbie asks if that’s all it is, and Josslyn says her mom’s been really busy. Yes, Maxie’s planning the wedding, but there’s still a million details to sort out and decisions to make. She’s helping Josslyn get set up at PCU, there’s dissention with her dad… Bobbie asks if Carly and Jax are at odds, and Carly says, really? They’re supposed to be having fun. Why did Josslyn bring that up? Josslyn says, sorry. She should have kept her mouth shut. Her mom and dad fight all the time, and they always work it out.

Jax tells Ava that he still cares about Nina. Knowing he hurt her is bad enough. He doesn’t want to see her get hurt again. Ava asks what he wants to know, and he asks, when was the last time she spoke to Nina? She says she doesn’t hear from Nina all that often. Just a text here and there, about how happy she is. He says, with her new boyfriend? and she says, Nina doesn’t really say very much. Last time she and Nina had a heart-to-heart, Nina was pretty evasive about him.

Phyllis says, right before Lenny’s diagnosis, he’d decided to live in the moment. He was going to take her dancing. She was on her way to buy a new dress when Dr. Ford showed up, and their lives changed. Sonny says he’s going to do everything he can to honor Lenny’s memory. Phyllis says she knows he will, and she hopes Nina tries to do that too. She leaves, and Sonny asks where Nina was. He was trying to reach her. She says she’s sorry she ran out on him, and he says they’re supposed to be living in the present. She says, he is, but she’s still struggling. When she saw his watch last night, a piece of his past, it made her stop and think for once. He asks if she came to any conclusions. Does he have to find out who he is in order for her to move forward with him?

Carly, who is now wearing a tiara, tells Olivia that she’s sneaky, and Olivia tells her, what can she say? She was motivated. What’s the point of renovating the pool (🍷) if they’re not going to use it? She wanted to wish Carly happiness; no one deserves it more than her. Carly says, that’s sweet, but Olivia says she’s not sweet. Neither is Carly. They tell it like it is. It was the first thing she liked about Carly. Carly says, since they’re telling it like it is, she thought Olivia would think it’s too soon after Sonny. Olivia says, if it were anybody else, she would think they were acting out of grief, or afraid to be alone. She would have been wrestling with herself; should she say something or keep her big mouth shut? But Carly has known Jason forever, and knows what she’s getting. She’s getting a Quartermaine for an in-law – Olivia hands her a drink – so good luck with that. Carly says they’re Olivia’s in-laws too. They’ll be allies. They clink glasses, and Olivia says, always.

Willow asks if Sasha is okay, and Sasha says she ran into Brando in the restaurant. He’s on the job, but woudn’t tell her what it is. Willow asks if she thinks he’s with the mob again, when Carly interrupts, saying, he’s not. Brando made it very clear that he is done. Sasha says, there was a part of Brando that liked the excitement working undercover for Sonny. What if he’s revisiting that part of his life? Getting in deep again, under the guise of wanting to support her and the baby.

Dante says, Brando is kidding, and Brando says he wishes he were. Dante laughs, and Brando asks if he has any advice. Dante says he’s got to bite the bullet. Do what he was hired to do. Make that money. Pay for that baby. Brando asks if Dante can just arrest him, and Dante says, not unless he breaks the law.

Curtis tells Nika that he has some business to take care of, and asks if she’ll be okay by herself. She says, it’s all good, and he leaves. At their table, Michael says he knows Jason and his mom never expected to get to this place, but now that they’re here, he knows they’ll be good for each other. Spinelli says, perhaps it’s fate, destiny, and if it is, how wonderful that it’s Carly. Michael says, incoming, and Joey Novak walks in with several other guys. He says, here it is. Here’s the groom, and a bachelor party that’s crying out for some action.

Sasha says she told Brando that if he wanted to be in her life, and the baby’s, he couldn’t work for Carly and Jason anymore, and Carly says, he’s not. Sasha says she heard Carly and Brando at his garage the other night. He was promising to let her business associates know that he was open for business, and Carly thanked him for helping her. Carly says, Brando offered to listen, that’s all. He’s not going to put himself in danger. Sasha says, what if the danger shows up anyway? What if Brando just can’t say no? Carly says Brando is crazy about Sasha and the baby. She has to trust him. How can they have a family if she doesn’t? Olivia announces, the entertainment is here, and says, Owen, cut the lights. The lights dim, music plays, and Brando comes out in a tux, and dances around. Everyone is shocked, and he makes lovey-dovey shark eyes at Sasha.

Sam tells Dante, she let Curtis in on the information they got about Drew’s plane crash. She figured he’d want to know since he and Drew were such good friends. She mentioned Creighton-Clark to him, and he said it seemed familiar. Then he remembered he knew someone who worked there who might be able to give them more information about the clinic. He says, that’s great, and she says he hasn’t been listening to a word she said. He says he heard everything, but she says, no, he hasn’t. He apologizes, and says he was distracted. She says, about what? and he says, about what’s going on at the MetroCourt pool (🍷) right now, at Carly’s bachelorette party.

What’s going on is, Brando is still dancing, with the girls all egging him on. He comes closer, takes off his tie, and pulls Olivia out on the dancefloor. She dances around for a hot minute, and he goes back to his solo act, taking off his jacket. He comes back to the group, and Carly tries to cover Josslyn’s eyes, but Josslyn is like, no way. Brando rips his shirt off, and Josslyn says, nice abs. He’s actually a pretty good dancer. He dances with Olivia for a second, and goes to Sasha, dancing with her, all romantic. Brando rips off his pants, and he’s in tighty blackies. Everyone comes out to dance, except Sasha, and Brando motions for her to come.

Nika tells Joey and his pals, it’s a private party. They’ll have to come back another night. Joey says, oh come on. There’s plenty of room for them. They promise not to disturb the private party. Jason gets up, and tells Nika, he’ll take care of this. Joey says, like Jason took care of him? Strongarming his uncle into getting him out of the country. He walks to the bar, and says, a round of top-shelf whiskey for the room. He wants to toast the groom, since he won’t be at his wedding tomorrow. He’ll be in Siberia. One of his cronies says, isn’t he going to Poland? Joey says, to the groom, and to his gorgeous bride Carly, who is as hot as they come. Michael gets up, and says, that’s enough, and Joey says, Spinelli agrees with him, right? Carly Corinthos is quite the babe. I’m literally lol’ing, because these guys always sound like they’re from the 1940s. Spinelli (who also sounds like that) says, stop this vulgarity at once, and Jason puts his hand on Spinelli’s shoulder. He says, they were just on their way out, and Spinelli says, they were? Jason puts some money on the bar, and says, Joey and his friends are going to drink on him. He tells Michael and Spinelli, let’s go, and they head for the door. Joey says, hey Morgan. How does it feel to be hitting your dead boss’s wife? Is it good? Like you won a stuffed toy at the fair? Spinelli comes flying at Joey, says, you creep, and punches him.

At the pool (🍷), Brando comes back out, fully dressed, and the women all applaud. Brando says, honestly, he had no idea he was reporting to Carly. His boss just told him it was a party at the MetroCourt pool (🍷). Olivia says she’s the one who called the agency to hire the stripper. She had no idea it was him. Willow asks how badly he wanted to die when he saw all of them, and he says he was hoping the ground would swallow him up. Bobbie says, they’re glad it didn’t because he was really good. Sasha says she’s sure he needs a drink, and Josslyn hands him one, saying he deserves it. Sasha takes his hand and leads him away. Carly remembers when she and Jason almost kissed. Bobbie says, hey, is she okay? and Carly says, why wouldn’t she be? Who knew Brando was so gifted, right? Bobbie says she’s not urging any scandalous behavior where Carly’s daughter is present, but she thought Carly might relax, cut loose a little, considering she is marrying her best friend. Carly says, that’s true; she is. Bobbie asks, so what’s the problem?

Nina says, Mike/Sonny will never know how much she wants him in her life, but it doesn’t seem right that he can’t remember who he was before. He has flashes of that other woman, and he knows she means something to him. He says he doesn’t even know if that woman is real, and she says, he won’t know until he finds out who he really is. He says, he’s Mike. He’s the guy who cares about her. He gets that she doesn’t want his past life to come crashing down on her. She doesn’t want to be hurt again. That’s why she came to Nixon Falls, to let go of her past. She says, so he understands, and he says, yeah, and he’s going to do everything he can to prove to her that he does. He doesn’t know how he’s going to do it, but he will. Because he’s in love with her.   

Ava tells Jax, Nina probably wants to keep the new part of her life separate from the old one. Does it really surprise him that Nina would want to make a fresh start with Mike? He says, Mike? Does he have a last name? She says she’s sure he does, but she doesn’t know what it is. He says, and she didn’t ask? Ava says, Nina has made an art of skillfully avoiding her questions about him. Now here’s Jax, interrogating her about a man neither of them has ever met. Does he want to tell her what this is really about?

Curtis calls Phyllis, saying, he’s not sure if she remembers him. She says, of course (🍷) she does. He’s the private investigator who tracked her down, and put her back in touch with Nina Reeves. How can she help him? He says, he’s not a private investigator anymore, but he’s looking into something for a friend. It involves the facility where she worked, when she was Nina’s nurse. She says, Creighton-Clark? and he says, that’s the one. Is she still in touch with anybody she worked with there? She says she wasn’t there long. Besides, she was a private nurse so she didn’t really know any of the staff. He says, maybe she can think on it and give him a call, and she says, wait. There is someone. He friended her on social media a while back.

Sam says, Olivia hired a stripper from an agency that happens to be Brando? That’s priceless. Dante says, he’s making some money for his baby, and she says she’s not laughing at him. She thinks he should be proud. She thinks there’s something really charming about a guy who will do whatever it takes to provide for his child. Dante would, woudn’t he? He says he’s thankful he has a job where he can keep his clothes on, she says, that is too bad. His phone dings, and he says, dammit. He has to go. Work. He hopes to see her again soon. She says he can count on it, and he leaves.

Jax tells Ava, he’s worried about Nina. That’s all. He knows Ava tried to steer her in the right direction when it came to Carly. Ava says she did try, but apparently Nina didn’t take her advice when it came to making nice with Carly. Apparently, she did the opposite. Jax asks what she means, and she says, something happened a long time ago. She was mad, and she told Carly that as a grandparent in the state of New York, Nina has the right to sue for visitation with Wiley. Shortly after that, Nina called Carly, and Carly was all fired up and went for the jugular. He says, that’s what Nina told her? and she says, words to that effect. Everyone knows that Nina was wrong to tell Wiley about Nelle. Nina knows it. She regrets what she did, but Carly is Carly. She rarely gives anybody a second chance. He says, believe him, he knows.

Sonny says he guesses he threw Nina a curveball. He’s sorry. It’s how he feels. He really couldn’t go another minute without telling her. She tells him, she doesn’t know what to say, and he tells her, she doesn’t have to say anything.

Brando asks if Sasha sees now why he was being mysterious about his new job. He didn’t think she’d be a fan of him dancing. It’s just one of his side gigs. She asks, what are the others? Centerfold modeling? Escort service? He says, ha-ha. Try cleaning the deep fryer at Kelly’s, and after-hours custodial work at a bunch of offices downtown. He’s sorry if he embarrassed her tonight. She says she bets the money is good, and he says, it’s real good, but if she doesn’t like it, he’ll quit right now. What they have is a helluva lot more important than this performance tonight.

Willow says she hates herself for enjoying Brando’s performance so much, and Josslyn says, you and me both. Olivia says, in her day, it was empowering for women to go to a strip joint. The women could enjoy strip teases as much as the men. Willow says she can only imagine the men back then. The hair… Olivia says, the fake tan, the screaming women… Josslyn says it sounds like Olivia did a lot of clubbing, but Olivia says, bite her tongue. She was a good, Catholic girl. The only thing she knew about strip joints, and what went on inside of them, was what she read. They all laugh.

Bobbie says, when she thinks back on Carly and Jason when Michael was a baby, it was just the two of them. She used to get so frustrated with Carly at times, she wanted to tear her hair out. Jason was always good for her; he always believed the best in her. And to be fair, no matter how much the rest of them doubted her, she justified that faith. Now after all these years, they’re getting married. Tomorrow they’re going to slip into their new life as husband and wife. That’s the sweetest kind of love there is. Carly thanks her, and they hug.

Brando says he’ll call his boss right now, and tell him it’s his last gig as a stripper, but Sasha says, don’t you dare. Compared to working for Cyrus Renault, this is the safest job in the world. He says so she’s okay with women stuffing bills in his costume? She says, they can stuff as many bills as they want, as long as he always comes home to her.

Curtis asks who Phyllis’s friend was, and what he did at the clinic. She says, he worked in the records department. Would he be able to help Curtis? Curtis says, he just might. Text him the contact information, and tell him to expect Curtis’s call. She says, of course (🍷), and he says, if her friend can help, this could be a very big deal.

Michael gives Spinelli some ice in a cloth, and says, he did most of the heavy lifting… or should he say, heavy punching? Jason says, party’s over, let’s go, and heads for the door a second time. Nika is coming in, and he says, if what he left on the bar isn’t enough to cover everything, let him know. He’s sorry this happened on her watch. She says, she’s sorry, but once the fight started, she had to follow the rules. Spinelli says, what rules? and Dante walks in with some officers. A disheveled Joey gets up, and says he was raising a toast to Jason, and this little dweeb went off on him. Michael says Joey deliberately baited Spinelli, and Spinelli says he denigrated the bride-to-be. Joey says he did nothing of the kind. He was complimenting… Dante tells them, shut up, or he’ll take them all down to the station. Spinelli says, actually, they have a wedding to attend, and Dante says, maybe they’ll think more clearly in the morning.

Carly tells Bobbie, there was a time when all she wanted to do was marry Jason. She lied, she schemed, she left a trail of wreckage. Now years after she let that fantasy go, it’s happening. Bobbie says she and Jason have something magical, and Jason would do anything for her. Carly says, and she doesn’t know why that is; she never has (that makes two of us). She just knows that Jason has always been there for her. Even when he thinks she’s wrong, he’s there. Bobbie says he loves her as she deserves to be loved, and Carly says she’s a lucky woman. She’s a lucky bride.

Sonny takes Nina’s hand and says she doesn’t have to pretend she has feelings for him if she doesn’t have them. Maybe she will one day, maybe she won’t, but it feels good for him to tell her how he feels. So he’s going to leave her with that, okay? She says, okay, and he goes in the back.

Ava tells Jax, Carly and Nina must have been able to smooth things over, since Nina is seeing Wiley again, but she gets the sense it’s a fragile peace. Which is another argument for Nina to stay in Nixon Falls. She’s much less likely to cross paths with Carly there. He says, it certainly seems that way, and thanks Ava for taking the time to talk to him. He appreciates it. He starts to leave, and she asks what he’s going to do. He says, what can he do? Except make sure Nina is happy and safe.

Outside on the phone, Jax tells someone, get the jet ready. He’s going to Nixon Falls, Pennsylvania. Where I’m sure they have an airport.

On Tuesday (there’s a rerun on Labor Day – see below), Shawn tells Jordan that there has to be something to lead them to Hayden’s shooter, Nina asks Sonny what happened, and Ava is surprised.   

💣 Baddie Backstory…

Who is Victor anyway?

What Happened to Victor Cassadine on GENERAL HOSPITAL

🏕 PC Pioneer, Second Class…

Wyatt to the rescue… again.

Patrick Gibbons Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🎢 Holiday Break…

Which soaps aren’t airing on Labor Day.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-opera-soaps-holiday-schedule

📽 Changing Lanes…

Curtis joins two GH alums for the holidays.

Three GENERAL HOSPITAL Fan Faves to Star in a New Holiday Film!

📺 A Long Way From Pine Valley…

An AMC alum joins a new series. It looks pretty good too.

‘Our Kind Of People’: Debbi Morgan Joins Fox Drama Series As Recurring

💻 DOOL Stream…

Livestreaming September 8th, it will only be available to Xfinity Rewards members, but the series Beyond Salem will be on Peacock starting September 6th.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: BEYOND SALEM Livestream Event!

🤧 She Swears It’s Just a Cold…

I can’t say I’ve ever heard of an unknown cold though. What does that even mean?

https://pagesix.com/2021/09/01/vicki-gunvalson-denies-report-she-has-covid-19/

🧪 New Faced…

Wow. It took like a whole eight hours off her age.

https://extratv.com/2021/08/31/rhoc-alum-jo-de-la-rosa-shares-face-refresh-after-plastic-surgery-journey/

🗽 New York Minute…

The rumors of her coming back are greatly exaggerated.

https://okmagazine.com/p/bethenny-frankel-reveals-hasnt-spoken-bravo-since-quitting-rhony-not-returning/

But there might be room.

https://okmagazine.com/p/real-housewives-of-new-york-luann-de-lesseps-ramona-singer-sonja-morgan-reportedly-demoted-friend-of/

💎 Continuing Saga…

Apparently, there’s no paperwork on Tom’s crash.

Did Tom Girardi’s Car Accident Actually Happen? Erika Jayne’s Story is Questioned as It’s Revealed Pasadena Police Have No Evidence of Crash

What a shock. LisaR couldn’t keep something to herself.

Did Lisa Rinna Tip Off Erika Jayne About RHOBH Cast’s Meeting? Sutton Stracke Claims She Knew About Their Secret Chat Before Kyle’s Dinner

The tracks of Kathy’s tears.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6495331/kathy-hilton-reveals-she-was-crying-over-erika-jayne-at-rhobh-di

🎩 A Gentleman For Sure…

I haven’t been a NeNe fan in a while, but I’ve always liked Gregg.

https://people.com/tv/nene-leakes-husband-gregg-dead-from-colon-cancer-at-66/

🗣 Real Talk…

Mauricio gives the lowdown on all things real.

👑 Off the Throne…

A new gig for Grey Worm, and a reunion for the Khal and his Khaleesi.

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-star-jacob-anderson-to-play-louis-in-interview-with-the-vampire-amc-series/

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-reunion-jason-momoa-emilia-clarke-drunk-photo/

🏌🏽‍♀️ Quotes of the Week

Wonder is the beginning of wisdom. – Socrates

Our urge to speak is often rooted in an inflated view of our own opinions. – Tripp Prince

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. – Beverly Sills

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein

There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate. – Linda Grayson

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. – Seneca

This is housekeeping, not Project Runway. – a hotel staff member on The Bachelorette, when asked to fix a bridal gown

Don’t worry about being worried. You’re heading out on an adventure and you can always change your mind along the way and try something else. – Tracy Kidder

Education must not simply teach work – it must teach Life. – W.E.B. Du Bois

It’s a general moral principle that the more power you have over someone, the greater your duty is to use that power benevolently. Well, who is the one person in the world you have the greatest power over? It’s your future self. You hold that life in your hands, and what it will be depends on how you care for it. – Rick Hanson

Can the world be your oyster if you’re allergic to shellfish? – Hyundai commercial

🌞 And Have a Pleasant Tomorrow…

Hope you didn’t get drenched by Ida or her remnants. We remained unscathed this time, but it only takes once for the word hurricane to cause anxiety, and wondering where you’re going to put stuff. But it looks to be a beauty of a long weekend, or the next three days, if weekend is no longer in your vocabulary. See you at Dead time, but until then, stay safe, stay saucy, and stay never denigrating the bride-to-be. Especially if she’s marrying the mobster best friend of her late mobster husband. No good can come of it.

Aug14

August 13, 2021 – Jax Confronts Jason, Steve Negotiates With Ryan, New Drew, Seinfeld Shah, Mad Erika, Not Guilty, OC Divorce, VanderGrandBaby, Ending Dead, Tony’s Home, Quotes Of Twelve & Electric

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Sonny tells Nina, he knows they planned on living in the moment, but he’s feeling inspired. Why don’t they make long term plans?

Outside, Phyllis asks if she can get Lenny a refill on his ice tea, but he says all he wants is her beside him. Now and forever. She says she thinks that can be arranged.

At the hospital, Shawn asks Jordan and Dante if there’s any news on Hayden’s mother’s toxicology report. Dante says he told Shawn they’d rush the results, and Jordan says they just met with the Medical Examiner. Sam says, and? and Dante says, it looks like they were right. Highly unlikely Naomie Dreyfuss’s death was an accident.

Spencer finds Josslyn, Cameron, and Trina at the door, and asks, who invited the riff-raff? Josslyn says, very funny, and he invites them in, asking if they’re ready to party. Josslyn says, yes, and tells Spencer, it looks amazing outside; the LED lights, the dance floor, the photo booth. He thanks her, and asks, what about Trina? Does she approve? Trina says she doesn’t hate it.

Carly says she doesn’t know what to do. Sonny’s gone, and she doesn’t know what her future with Jason looks like. She knows she needs to put the past behind her and let go. In her mind, Sonny appears, and says, that’s easier said than done. She says he’s back. She hasn’t seen him in months. He says he likes to keep her on her toes. She says she was wondering if… He says, what? and she says, she thought recent developments might have kept him away. He says, recent developments? Oh, she means her marrying Jason?

Jax tells Britt, he watched Jason choose this life, and he had plenty of opportunities not to. So the violence that follows him, even if it’s not of his own making, is his responsibility. So don’t fall into the trap of thinking that he’s some kind of hero, because he’s just not. She says, Jason’s no longer a part of her life, but that doesn’t stop her from thinking he’s one of the good guys. He says, good guys don’t put his daughter at risk, and she says, don’t tell her that; tell him. Jax turns around to see Jason in the doorway. Jason asks if there’s a problem, and Jax says he doesn’t even know where to begin. Jason says, name one, and Jax says he knows Josslyn is in danger, and he’s demanding Jason put a stop to this.

Spencer says, the DJ is doing a soundcheck, the extra launch is on the mainland, and his father just texted he’s over the Atlantic. Operation Rager is a go. Trina says, not so fast. They couldn’t risk getting dirty on the way over. Josslyn asks if there’s somewhere they can change, and Spencer tells them, take any guest room in the south wing, Trina says, she likes the east wing, and Josslyn says she’s more of a north wing kind of girl. Spencer says they’re hilarious, and Trina says, south wing it is. Spencer says, before they go, take these, and hands the three of them bracelets. Trina asks what they are, and he says, VIP bracelets. They give access to the house, and only the four of them have one. Trina says, really? and Spencer says, what if they need to escape from the randoms? Trina says he thought of everything, and he says he always does. Josslyn tells Cameron, they’ll be right back, and she and Trina leave. Spencer asks if Cameron needs to change too, but Cameron says, this is what he was going to wear. Spencer says, not to his party. He specifically said, solstice chic. Cameron says, what does that even mean? and Spencer says, come with him.

Britt asks if she needs to get security, but Jason says he has no issue with Jax. Jax says they’ll have to excuse him if the feeling isn’t mutual. He has to admit, this isn’t like how it was with him and Sonny, or Carly and Sonny, for that matter. Sonny was selfish, and Carly backed down because that’s what Sonny needed. He didn’t care about her safety or the kids’ safety. It was a very unhealthy relationship. He understands it’s different with Jason. He knows that Jason loves Carly, and knows he loves Josslyn, and would give his life for them. He doesn’t say that lightly, so whatever reason Jason has for marrying Carly, whether they’re both sad about losing Sonny, or to solve some business problem; whatever it is, he’s begging Jason to do the right thing. End this before someone gets hurt.

Sonny asks why Carly would think he wouldn’t want her to marry Jason? She says she doesn’t. Not only does she think he’d understand; she thinks he’d be all for it. He tells her, he was going to say, he thought she knew him better than that. Why does it seem like she’s holding back? She says she’s scared, and he says, of what? She says, of losing her relationship with Jason. It’s a perfect friendship, to love someone like that without any complications. He says, that’s true, and she says, what if marrying him changes all that?

Nina asks what kind of plans does real Sonny have in mind? He says he was thinking about that story Lenny loves to tell about how he met Phyllis while he was fishing, and Nina says Phyllis wanted him to lose his big catch because she felt sorry for the fish. He says he was thinking maybe they could all take a fishing trip. When Lenny is up to it. She says, they both seem pretty committed to this new lease on life, no matter what the biopsy results are, but she sees one little problem with his idea. She doesn’t know how keen Phyllis is on fishing. He says, it’s less about the sport of fishing, and more about getting away from the bar and the stresses of life. They can just take a vacation. She says she likes it; great idea. It will give Lenny something to look forward to. He asks if that means she’s going to stay for a few more weeks, and she says she’s not going anywhere. He says, so fishing; she’s sold? She says, hook, line, and sinker.

Sam says, define highly unlikely. Was Naomie murdered or not? Dante says they can’t divulge the details of an ongoing investigation, and Shawn says if they’re going to keep looking into Hayden’s disappearance, they need to know what they’re getting into. Word on the street is that there’s compelling evidence that her mother’s death wasn’t a suicide. Jordan says, whose word and what street? and Sam says she has her sources. Dante asks if she can tell them, but she says she promised to be discreet. Jordan says, according to the toxicology report, Hayden’s mother was injected with a powerful drug, and Shawn says, so the bottle of pills left behind was just a prop. Jordan tells them, she didn’t say that; did Dante? Dante tells them, he didn’t say that, and Shawn says, so the Medical Examiner said Naomie did ingest the toxin that killed her. Sam asks if it’s possible she injected herself, but Dante says, most drug users inject themselves in the arm or the leg or the groin. Shawn says, whereas Naomie was injected someplace atypical. Jordan says she was injected in a spot they almost missed; in the back of the neck.

Jax says Jason wasn’t around when Morgan died, so he doesn’t really know. Jax only knows a little of what it did to Carly and Josslyn, but he can tell Jason what it did to him, and it scared the hell out of him. He doesn’t want to think about it. He doesn’t even want to wrap his mind around losing his daughter that way. Jason says he understands, but Jax says he doesn’t really understand because his kids are safe across town at their mother’s, while Josslyn grew up in Sonny’s house, and is going to remain living there until she goes off to college. His business rivals obviously know that, seeing how the Novak guy approached her. So when Jason tells him that she’s protected, he doesn’t believe it. Jason says he’s right. This is a risk to Josslyn. He’s doing everything in his power to minimize that risk. She has one of their best bodyguards with her all the time. Jax says, a bodyguard didn’t save Morgan, but Jason says, Josslyn isn’t Morgan; she understands the situation. Does she love it? No. Do we love it? No, but she gets why it has to be this way just for now. It’s true, he does love Carly, and he does love Josslyn. Trust him when he says he’s not making any decisions for himself or what he wants. All his decisions are made for them. Jax says, to keep them safe, and Jason says, yes. He gets that Jax is scared for his daughter, and Jax says he’s not scared; he’s terrified. Jason says he gets that he’s not giving Jax the answers that he wants, but it’s the only answer he has. Jax says then Jason gets it’s not the answer he wants. He thought he could appeal to Jason as a rational human being, but if he can’t even do that, he’s sorry. He’s done co-parenting with Josslyn’s mom. He walks out.

Josslyn tells Trina that she looks incredible, and Trina says, so does Josslyn. Spencer really went all out, huh? Josslyn says, when Spencer sets his mind to something, there’s not stopping him, and Trina says she can see that. Josslyn says, he likes Trina, and Trina says, she thinks so? Josslyn says, doesn’t she? but Trina says she doesn’t know. Maybe. Josslyn says she has a confession to make.

Spencer says Cameron looks almost as good as he does in that outfit, and Spencer says he appreciates it. Spencer says he should; it came all the way from Milan. Cameron says, my God. Milan, the south wing, this party in general. Spencer asks if his hospitality is bothering Cameron, and Cameron says, what’s bothering him is Spencer is trying too hard.

Moss bowl! Carly says, to her, marriage is what she had with Sonny. He says, what’s that? and she says, he knows, but he says he likes to be reminded. She says, bold and passionate, caring and heated. They had all the shades, and loved as hard as they fought. He says she’s not going to fight with Jason the way she fought with him, and she says she knows it’s going to be different. It has to be different. She just doesn’t want Jason to stop being Jason, and he says she knows Jason better than anyone except him. Why does she think Jason is going to change just because she’s marrying him?

Phyllis tells Lenny, look at you; you’re exhausted. She suggests they go home, but he says, not yet. The sunset’s almost as beautiful as his wife. And the Tan-O is home. She tells him, like she always says, an answer for everything. He says that’s why she loves him, and she says he knows she does. She pats his hand, and says she’ll refresh their ice teas. She kisses the top of his head and goes inside. He smiles, and leans back in his chair.

Phyllis tells Sonny and Nina, she knows they should probably be opening, but it’s so nice having the place to themselves. She asks what they’re all huddled up about, and Sonny says they have an idea. Nina says she doesn’t know if they have an idea; it was kind all Mike/Sonny’s idea. Phyllis tells them, Lenny always says, when Mike’s mind stops to rest, a back-up generator kicks in. They laugh, and Sonny says Nina can go ahead and tell Phyllis the romance part, and he’ll do his best to reel in Lenny. Nina says she’s on it, and Sonny goes outside. Phyllis asks what that was about.

Sonny asks Lenny, where’s his fishing rod? They have to start practicing to impress the girls. He sits down, and says, Lenny? He touches Lenny’s arm, and I start tearing up already. I knew this was coming. He feels Lenny’s pulse, and says, Lenny, but he knows Lenny is gone.

Cameron asks if Spencer didn’t say he appreciated people in Port Charles because they were authentic, and Spencer asks if Cameron is calling him fake. Cameron says he’s saying Spencer says all this stuff, and does all this stuff as a way of putting up a barrier between him and everybody else. So maybe if he stops acting like a jerk for five minutes, he’ll find out people actually like him. Spencer says he’s touched, and Cameron says, there he goes again. Spencer says he’s sorry; it’s a reflex. Cameron says, it’s great to have a party. The DJ looks killer, everybody’s pumped; it’s going to be a great night. Spencer says, it is, and Cameron says, maybe try having a conversation with some of the randoms. They might actually surprise him. He might surprise himself.

Josslyn says she and Cameron talked about this, and Trina says, about what? Her? Josslyn says, and Spencer. She convinced herself that she wasn’t going to get involved, but when they got here, and she saw them all sparkly with each other… Trina says, sparkly? and Josslyn says Trina knows what she means. She would never tell Trina not to date Spencer because it is her life. Trina says, but? and Josslyn says, but Trina doesn’t know Spencer like she does. Trina says, tell her, and Josslyn says, inside that pretty fun package is actually a pretty messed up guy, who’s done some pretty messed up things. She’s not saying they should judge someone by what they did when they were eight. She used to go around dressed like corn. Trina says they’ll revisit that later (oh, please do), and Josslyn says, but Spencer has a certain edge to him. He grew up super rich, obviously. Trina says he told her that his mom died, and Josslyn says, the day he was born. Of course (🍷) everyone felt sorry for him. It’s horrible. Trina says, so they decided to throw money at him, and Josslyn says, there were never any limits, and that stayed with Spencer. He just keeps testing and testing, and pushing things way too far, until he realizes what he’s done. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a great heart, because she thinks he does, but it’s something for Trina to keep in mind before diving in head first. Trina thanks her, and says, just so they’re clear, she gets that Spencer has this whole racket thing going; he’s running it all the time. Josslyn says, all the time, and Trina says she appreciates Josslyn looking out for her, and hopes Josslyn knows she’d do the same for her. Josslyn knows she would, and Trina says, sisters before misters? and Josslyn says, always.

Jordan says she wanted to talk to Shawn privately. It might be none of her business. He’s recently out of prison. Is he sure he wants to get in the middle of all this? Maybe for his sake and TJ’s, he should let Sam investigate the past, and instead focus on what comes next for him.

Dante gets something from the vending machine, and Sam asks him to please tell her what they’re going to do to get to the bottom of this. He says he’s going to start by eating some of these; does she want some? She says, no, and her phone rings. She tells him, it’s Danny; she has to take it, but they’re not done with this conversation. He says he hopes not because he loves talking to her. Sam steps away, and Jax says he needs to talk to Dante about Josslyn. Dante asks, what’s going on? and Jax says he’s sure Dante’s aware that organized crime conflict hasn’t ended with Sonny’s death or putting Cyrus behind bars. People have stepped in to fill the void. Dante asks what people Jax is talking about, and Jax says he’ll give Dante one guess.

Britt says she’s a little disappointed in herself. She thought she was making progress. Jason says, with what? and she says, Britt 2.0, the kinder, gentler, more empathetic version. She has to say, it really helps to see it’s hard for him. He says, you’re welcome? and she says, don’t get her wrong. She’s not all, ha! he’s hurting too. She hasn’t regressed that much, but whatever’s going on, she can see it’s costing him. And choosing Carly over her, for lack of a better phrase, wasn’t something he did lightly. That doesn’t make it hurt any less, but it makes it a little easier to live with.

Moss bowl! Sonny says, the relationship will change, like Carly said, unless she decides to stay platonic and not have a real marriage. She says they haven’t decided anything, and he says they’ll figure it out, but if she’s going to have this conversation with anyone, have it with the person she trusts the most, and that’s Jason. She says she trusts Jason more than anything. She thinks she’s fixated and worried about how her relationship with him is going to change. That’s real, but she thinks she’s deflecting. He says, from what? and she says if she marries Jason, and he becomes her husband, that means Sonny is gone from her life. She’ll remember him and love him always, but she’ll finally have to let go.

Phyllis asks if she can level with Nina, and Nina says, of course (🍷). Phyllis says, it sounds less like a romantic getaway, and more like an excuse for a boy’s weekend. Nina says she did a little bit of research, and there are some really nice cabins on the river with lux accommodations. So while the guys are hooking these disgusting worms, they’ll be getting facials and sipping rosé. Phyllis says, now Nina is speaking her language, but she can’t ask anything more. Nina is already helping out with the hospital bills. Nina says she’s happy to do it, but this vacation is for all four of them, and Phyllis says, an opportunity for her and Mike/Sonny to connect? Nina says, maybe, and Phyllis says Nina has changed since she first came to Nixon Falls; she’s lighter now, and unburdened. Nina says, space from your problems will do that to a person. Phyllis says, so will love, and they laugh. Nina suggests they get some tea, and tells Phyllis, it’s really good. Sonny comes in, and Phyllis asks if his ears were burning. She sees his face, and drops the glass she’s holding, sending it crashing to the floor. She shakes her head, and Sonny looks so very sad.

Britt says she didn’t even ask what Jason was doing there. Was he looking for Jax? He says he came to see her. When Joey Novak approached Josslyn, he was worried she could be next. She says, why? and he says because of their history. She says that’s just it; history. They’re not connected anymore. He says he’s always going to care what happens to her, and she says no one’s approached her, so he can stand down. He asks how she’s feeling, and she says, good, strong. Huntington’s hasn’t reared its head yet. He says she doesn’t have to pretend with him, and she says, yes, she does.

Shawn tells Jordan, believe him, he’d love nothing more than to focus on the future, but he can’t do that with a would-be murderer on the loose. That person shot Hayden and stole years of his life. She says, isn’t that the point? In pursuing this, he could be sacrificing even more years of his life. He just got out of prison, and finding himself at the scene of a probable homicide is not a good idea. If it hadn’t been Dante who showed up that day, who knows what another police officer might have assumed? She would hate for TJ to just get his father back, only to have him taken away again.

Phyllis strokes Lenny’s arm, and says, it was quick. By the expression on his face, it was likely his heart or lungs. Lenny was just… carried off. She adjusts his collar, and tells him, you said you would never leave the Tan-O again. She knew he was stubborn, but this one takes the cake. Sonny asks if she wants him to carry Lenny out, but she shakes her head. Weeping, Nina asks if she can call someone or help in some way, but Phyllis says she just needs a final word alone with her husband. Nina and Sonny go inside, and Phyllis breaks down crying.

Carly says she loves Sonny so much. He says he loves her too, and she says she loves him in a way she could never love anyone else. He says, there’s only one us, and she says it makes her laugh because she was told a million times he was bad for her. He says she even told herself that a million times, and she says, she did. There were hardships, tough times, and unimaginable losses, but he was also the best for her because he loved her and gave her children. They built a real life together. He says, a partnership, and she says he was the one guy she couldn’t walk away from.

Jax tells Dante, Carly and Jason have taken over the Corinthos Organization, and Dante says, even if that were true… Jax says Dante knows it’s true, and Dante asks why it concerns him. Jax says because his daughter lives in their house, and Dante says, his daughter has always lived in that house. Jax says, but she hasn’t always been approached by business associates from rival mobs. He’s not going to stand by and lose his only daughter because of Carly and Jason’s shady business dealings. Dante asks if this associate has a name, and Jax says, Joey Novak. Dante says as a father he understands Jax’s concern, and Jax says, but from a police standpoint, he’s out of luck. Dante says he’ll talk to Novak, and open a plainclothes on Josslyn for a while, but without an actual crime being committed… Jax says, his hands are tied; he gets it. Good thing his aren’t. Dante asks what that means, and Jax says he’s going to do what he has to, to protect his daughter.

Sam asks what that was about, and Dante says, nothing good. How’s Danny? She says, major emergency. He got locked out of his game account. Dante says, damn. Is he going to make it? She says, it was touch and go for a while, but she reset his password, and she thinks he’s going to make it. He says, that’s good news. It happened to Rocco once, and he wasn’t sure Rocco was going to make it. She asks if he thinks they’re going to survive, and he says, their kids? She says, all of it, and he says, yeah. They could start up a support group. She says she likes that. When’s the first meeting? He says, how about now?

Shawn says he knows Jordan is coming from a good place, but what’s he supposed to do? TJ and Molly took a huge risk to expose Judge Carson, and got him out. He can’t take that for granted. She says she’s not asking him to, but if the choice is between uncovering the truth about Hayden, or living with the mystery unsolved forever, what does he think TJ would choose? He says he’ll give it some thought, and she thanks him. He says, TJ is all he’s got. He doesn’t want to risk the chance of finally being his father.

Spencer tells Trina, wow. She looks… She says, he approves? and he says he doesn’t hate it. She says he looks pretty nice himself. Cameron says Josslyn looks beautiful, and she thanks him. She says, what is all this? indicating what he’s wearing, and he says Spencer thought he needed some flair. Spencer says he would never use the word flair, and Josslyn says, well, Cameron looks great; flair or no. Spencer says, the guests should be arriving any minute, and Trina says, she’s so excited. He asks if everyone has their VIP bracelets, and they all raise their hands. He says, now, who is ready for some epic misbehavior?

Britt tells Jason, she won’t run anymore. Things are different now. He says he knows, and she says if she needs to pretend to get through it, that’s what she’s going to do. He says, okay, and she says that’s so him. Listen, absorb, and accept. She misses that. He says he thinks about that day in the doctor’s office a lot. When she was struggling to decide if she wanted to find out if she had the marker. She says, fun times, and he says she asked and wanted to know what he would have done. She says, if he’d been her, he wouldn’t have found out, and he says he meant that. He meant everything he said that day. She says he usually does, and he walks to the door. He says he’s glad she decided to have that test. He really respects the courage she showed then, and the way she’s living through it now… He just wishes he could help. She says, but he can’t. She wipes a tear from her eye, and tells him to take care of himself. He says her too, and leaves, heaving a huge sigh in the hallway, now officially taking the title of Sigh King from Griffin Monroe.

Sonny tells Nina, Lenny gave him a hard time at first, but why wouldn’t he? Sonny came there a stranger with nothing. But once he lets you in… They laugh and Nina says, it happened so fast. He was there just a half-hour ago, and now he’s gone. How does that happen? He guesses it’s better than slow, and she says she feels so sorry for Phyllis; he was everything to her, her first love. He says he can’t imagine losing a spouse like that. It must just be never-ending pain.

Imaginary Sonny says, God knows Carly wasn’t the only one who tried to walk away. He tried many times, and she says, they always found their way back to each other. He’s her whole life. He says that’s his line, and she says he is. She’ll always love him. He says, right back at her, and she says, forever. He says, forever, and disappears, replaced by the hallowed moss bowl.

Dante tells Sam, he knows a great place. They’ve got beer and snacks, and dinner, if someone wanted to have dinner too. She says, a beer sounds really good right now, and he says, so she’s in? She says, she’s in, but what should they call it? He says, call what? and she says, the support group. He says he’s got something, and she says, hit me. He says, SPA; Single Parents Anonymous. She says it reminds her of spa, which is really relaxing, and parenting is… He says, not, but it’s kind of worth it. She says, totally worth it. He says, inaugural SPA meeting, here they come, and Sam says she thinks it could really take off. He says maybe they should sell stuff like hats and travel mugs. She says she loves a good travel mug.

Sonny/Mike says, it’s strange. Obviously, he doesn’t remember who he lost in his former life, but this feeling is so familiar, this ache. Nina says she wishes she didn’t know that pain, but she does. He says if he’s feeling this, can she imagine Phyllis? He has to support her. She says he doesn’t have to do it alone, and takes his hand. They’ll figure out how to support her together.

Jason walks into the hallowed halls of the moss bowl, and asks if Carly is okay. She says she is now. She’s so glad he’s home.

Spencer says, it’s official; the launches are on their way. Josslyn says she can’t believe he rented a second one just for tonight. Spencer says, what’s the alternative? and Trina says, people wait? Cameron says, Trina. Unacceptable. Trina says, sorry, her bad, and Spencer says, make fun of him all they want, but mark his words. Tonight is going to be epic. Josslyn says, one thing that hasn’t changed about him, is that he… Someone watches them.

On Monday, Elizabeth tells Laura that she doesn’t know how to process this, Spencer still has a few surprises up his sleeve, Ava asks Doc if he thinks Nikolas might be onto something, and Jax asks what Carly is willing to do to protect their daughter.

Million Dollar Listing New York

Ryan was selling an apartment on the Upper East Side in the Aldyn on the Hudson River. He’d gotten some  traffic but said the apartment felt staged, so the owners brought in their interior designer Sofia, who had worked on the original renovation. The apartment was 5847 square feet, 6 bedrooms and 8 baths, with motorized shades, a custom wine wall, amazing closets, 3852 square feet of outside space, a private elevator, and a Euro concept kitchen (shrugging once again, since I have no clue what that means). Sofia had been given a $65K budget to work with, and brought in a lot of bling, including some fabulous beaded wallpaper. Ryan thought it was going to help him showcase the added value, but he couldn’t convince the owners to fill the 37’ pool. In his interview, he said it was called a swimming pool for a reason. He thought it was the perfect home for a family, although the design was now for a glamorous family. He and Sofia called owner Maria, and once again Ryan explained that people had no vision, and he’d be happy to get out there with a hose to fill the pool. It was still a hard no, since Maria said she’d have to maintain it, and it was too big of a hassle. She was sure Ryan could work his magic. Ryan was good with the $16 million asking price, with his potential commission being $480K. In his interview, he said, comps pre-covid now meant nothing.

Fredrik met with developer Yan at the 32 East 1st Street penthouse. Fredrik had the building for three years, and had started with it when it was just a construction site. There were two penthouses available, but Fredrik was focusing his effort B, priced at $8.7 million. Fredrik said the East Village was a great neighborhood, but not known for luxury property, and he wanted to set a record. He’d been waiting for Yan to put in furniture, and Yan had brought in a designer, whose pieces were sold in art galleries, not furniture stores. Sorry, I didn’t catch the name, but you can’t afford him anyway. One of the carpets alone was worth $40K. Even if I could afford it, it wasn’t exactly my taste, but impressive, and the couches actually did look comfy. Fredrik was happy, since he said buyers saw the same thing in every penthouse, and would take note of how rich the décor was. The penthouse was 2766 square feet with a chef’s kitchen (shrugging again, and saying, aren’t they all?), 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, and a 1200 square foot wraparound terrace. In the primary bathroom, the stonework alone had cost $100K. Fredrik told Yan it felt good. He loved the interior, and it would make his job easier. Yan complained that Fredrik wasn’t there half the time, and he’d had people contacting him about ideas to sell it, one being Ryan. Fredrik was upset that Ryan hadn’t called him directly, saying it was unethical. In Fredrik’s interview, he said Ryan was always going after his business, even though he’d never done the same. We saw a clip from Bravo Con, where Fredrik said he’d often been approached to steal Ryan’s listings, but always turned them down. In his interview, he said if someone wanted to screw him and take his business, just be honest. They didn’t have to be friends. He asked Yan if he was fired, and Yan said, no; he just wanted Fredrik to work harder. In his interview, Fredrik said he’d worked on the building for years, but he was going to work even harder. Yan told him that he had to push it, and Fredrik said it was good to be back, yelling, New York is back! from the terrace.

Steve met with the developer’s representative Dan at the penthouse in 15 Hudson Yards. Dan asked what Steve thought of the apartment, and Steve said, this place is nuts, and it was. The penthouse was on the 88th floor, making them 900 feet up, with 270* unobstructed views. The apartment was 5200 square feet, with 26’ ceilings, and 120 linear feet of curved glass, the top of the building being a four-leaf clover shape. Going for $29.5 million, the apartment was a 4 bedroom, 5.5 bath duplex, with views of both the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. In Steve’s interview, he said NYC was a concrete jungle, and he’d seen his neighbors do things maybe he should not have seen, but the penthouse was literally above everything. It was the pinnacle of living in NYC. He told Dan that he was at a loss for words, which was rare. In Steve’s interview, he said the sneak peek was a vote of confidence, but there were still a lot of other brokers who would want the listing. It would be a game changer for his career. Dan asked how the sale of the 4 bedroom was going, and Steve said he’d invited Ryan and his family over, so he could get a feel of the building to help describe it to his client, who was moving to the city. We flashed back to that, and Steve said there was real interest, and he was talking to several parties. Dan said the partners were happy with what Steve had done, and wanted to offer Steve the penthouse listing. In his interview, Steve said his mind was effing blown. He told Dan that it was a dream come true. He’d be literally setting the bar in Hudson Yards, Dan said there was one catch, and Steve said there always was. Dan said Steve would have to get the 4 bedroom sold. If he got that done, he would be given the listing. In his interview, Steve said the 4 bedroom was the most challenging of all the sales there. He couldn’t ask for another reduction, since they’d already gone from $12 million to $8.995 million, and they’d need room for negotiation. It was a massive opportunity thought, and he was going to find a way to get it done. Steve’s potential commission was #185K. They shook on it, and Dan told Steve not to let them down. Steve asked if he had ever let them down, and Dan said, no… not yet.

Ryan said he was working his broker butt off to get the Aldyn building apartment sold. He’d done marketing videos, and had top brokers coming inf for showings, including Kim from his old firm, whose clients were looking for a family compound. In Ryan’s interview, he said some of the decorating choices weren’t for everyone, like the leather bedazzled headboard and the skulls, but aside from a skull or three, the design was pretty cool. The aesthetic was fancy, and he hoped that made it stand out. Kim said it was like having a Hamptons place in Manhattan. Ryan showed her the pool, saying it was one of the largest private swimming pools in Manhattan. Then he road a bike around the inside of the pool. In his interview, he said the idea had come to him when he saw a line of Citi bikes, and thought he’d put them in there. We saw him lugging one upstairs and into the pool.

Fredrik met with business partner John. In his interview, Fredrik said John also had twins, and had been carrying the New York office throughout quarantine. Fredrik felt it was coming together. John told Fredrik that the L.A. office had been carrying the business, and Fredrik was happy that it had been lucrative, since New York had been struggling. Now he was going to do his best to help them navigate a tricky New York market. John promised to always have Fredrik’s back, and said, speaking of which, he’d heard Ryan was talking smack, saying Fredrik had left New York. John didn’t want to give it credence, but thought it was important enough to discuss. Fredrik said Ryan had always had it in for him, and told John what Yan had said. Fredrik didn’t know how to feel. He was sad because they were supposed to be friends. We flashed back to four years ago, when Ryan had been shading Fredrik to Fredrik’s clients. In Fredrik’s interview, he said brokers were allowed to take over another’s listing, but there was a way of doing it that was classy. He got that you had to be competitive, but stealing another broker’s active listings was disheartening. He didn’t think they should feed into it, since he didn’t think it would ever end. He thought he should mention it to Ryan, so he knew he’d been put on notice about doing slimy, desperate things. But after that, he thought they should focus on the business.

Steve met with Ryan at the penthouse, where a waiter served them wine. In Steve’s interview, he said Ryan’s offer of $6.5 million was offensive, but it was still an offer and a start. So he’d invited Ryan to lunch to try and negotiate. In Ryan’s interview, he said when the wine was being poured before noon, it was clear what Steve’s strategy was. In Steve’s interview, he said he was trying to loosen Ryan up, since he was wound pretty tight. Ryan told Steve that he’d spoken to his clients, and gotten them up to $7 million. Steve said it was a precedent that couldn’t and shouldn’t be set for the building. In his interview, Ryan said there was a high inventory of 4 bedrooms in the area, which meant there was negotiability. Steve said the quality surpassed most buildings, but Ryan said there were a significant number of comps in the area, covid, and a strip club a few blocks away. Steve said he was authorized to only go down to $8.5 million, and Ryan said if that was the bottom number, thanks for the wine.

Steve told Ryan that if his clients bought now, they could ride the market up later. Ryan said he knew they’d walk if he came back with $8.5 million, but Steve said, in two years, Ryan would look like a champion; the apartment would be worth more than $10 million. In Ryan’s interview, he wondered if Steve’s best and final was $8.5 million, why was he still negotiating? In Steve’s interview, he thought Ryan was being super aggressive, which put him in a position of power. Ryan’s client must want the apartment. Steve said he’d call, and see what his client’s bottom line was, and Ryan griped that they could have done this faster on Zoom. Since Steve took more than 10.5 seconds with the call, Ryan went outside, hunting him down. Steve said his client’s bottom line was $8 million flat. He went back in while Ryan made his call. Ryan said he thought his client should jump over it. It would be the lowest price per square foot in the building. He went back in, and told Steve it had been easy convincing them, and they had two stipulations. A contract as soon as possible – Steve said he’d have it in an hour – and Ryan wanted 4%. If Steve was going to drag him to the top of a building for what they could have done on the phone, he wasn’t doing it for less than $300K. In his interview, he said commissions could be negotiated to a higher percentage. As long as the client was happy and aware of what was going on, go for it. Steve said they had a done deal, and his commission of $160K was nothing to sneeze at even with a cut. In his interview, Steve said it was a small commission, but a big sale. He was glad they had wine, since he was celebrating something bigger. Ryan told Steve that he’d even stay to finish his wine, and Steve said Ryan had just gotten him the effing penthouse at Hudson Yards. Ryan drained his glass.

Next time, Tyler dons a top hat, and has a roaring 20s showing, Fredrik and KJ meet in person, and Fredrik confronts Ryan.

⛹️‍♂️ Growth Spurt…

Does this mean Drew got taller in Afghanistan?

https://ew.com/tv/general-hospital-cameron-mathison-exclusive-first-look/

👠 Puffy Shirt Indeed…

Jen Shah dresses for court.

https://pagesix.com/2021/08/10/rhoslc-star-jen-shah-rocks-seinfeld-shirt-to-nyc-court/

🕶 There Is No Privacy In Reality…

Bring on the shock, awe, and non-waterproof mascara.

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-erika-girardi-angered-garcelle-beauvais-private-moment-ex-tom-revealed/

⚖️ Out, Guilty Demons, Out…

I’m guessing this has something to do with her son’s girlfriend.

https://people.com/tv/rhoslc-star-mary-cosby-pleads-not-guilty-two-charges-unlawfully-sheltering-runaway/

💬 Drawing a Blank…

Is it me? Who the hell is this?

Noella Bergener “Blindsided” as Husband James Files For Divorce, RHOC Star Requests Spousal Support and Primary Custody of Son Amid $5.8 Mil Tax Debt, Plus She Reacts

🤰🏼 Pregnant Pandy…

I’m sure LVP is thrilled. Especially since those kids at SUR were such a disappointment.

https://www.distractify.com/p/is-pandora-vanderpump-pregnant

⚰️ Dead End…

I have no doubt they’ll be pulling out all the stops.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-epic-end-final-season-11-conclusion-go-out-bang-producer-denise-huth/

🗽 Back In the New York Groove…

Tony is back where he belongs.

https://nypost.com/2021/08/12/74th-annual-tony-awards-to-be-held-at-winter-garden-theatre/

🌠 Quotes of the Week

Cheerios killed her. – Helen Fahey (Jean Smart), Mare of Easttown

The whole secret of a successful life is to find out what is one’s destiny to do, and then do it. – Henry Ford

Try to be like a turtle — at ease in your own shell. – Bill Copeland

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. – Dolly Parton

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius

If you’re not confident in something, don’t plate it. – lesson from Top Chef

Whatever you are, try to be a good one. – William Makepeace Thackeray

Stay close to any sounds that make you glad you are alive. – Hafez

Seek first the virtues of the mind; and other things either will come, or will not be wanted. – Francis Bacon

Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. – Marthe Troly-Curtin

Don’t move the way fear makes you move. – Rumi

Thoughts are like an open ocean, they can either move you forward within its waves, or sink you under deep into its abyss. – Anthony Liccione

🛰 Mission Complete…

Another rough week under my belt, but feeling closer to 100% every day. See you the next week around, and until then, stay safe, stay doing you, and stay not shunning the randoms. They might surprise you.

Aug7

August 6, 2021 – A Letter From Ryan, James Finally Makes a Decision, Sadness On Set, a Dinner, the Latest On Erika, Block Lifted, Everything Dead, Slightly More Than 10 Quotes & Free

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

At Spring Ridge, Nikolas asks Sam how the investigation into Hayden’s shooting is going; any progress? Sam says, working on it, and he says, if anyone can figure it out, it’s her. The hard truth is, they may never know who shot Hayden. Alexis comes in, and says she’s glad to see Sam. They hug, and Nikolas asks if he can cut in on that. Does Alexis have a hug for her favorite nephew? She hugs him, and Sam says, he’s her only nephew; there’s no competition. Alexis says, it wouldn’t matter, and Sam asks if Alexis is doing okay. Alexis says she is, but the company leaves a lot to be desired. Sam says, Ryan? and Nikolas asks, how is Ryan?

Ava sits at a table by the pool (🍷), and Shawn comes along. She says, as she lives and breathes, and he says, good to see she’s still doing both. She says, despite the efforts of many. She heard he was out of prison. How long was it? He says, six years, and she says, all to protect Sonny. Was it worth it?

Carly leads Jax to a private room, and says they can talk in there instead of by the pool (🍷). No one can hear them. He says they didn’t need to before, and she says, before, they weren’t talking about the Novaks. He says, she means the mobster who accosted Josslyn? and she says, Josslyn wasn’t accosted; she was approached. He says, it wasn’t an act of violence, just the threat of one. She just got through telling him that nothing she and Jason have done has put Josslyn in harm’s way. It was obviously a lie.

Laura thanks Dante for meeting her at the MetroCourt, and he says, of course (🍷). They sit at a table, and he asks how New York was. She says, fine: very little traffic, and he says he assumes she didn’t want to meet up to talk about congestion on the FDR. She says, no. She was there to meet with Lulu’s doctors. He asks how Lulu is doing, and she says, the news is not good.

Anna is getting a shake at Kelly’s (which seems to be a thing now), when Finn and Elizabeth come in with Violet. Violet runs to Anna, who hugs her, and says, what a great surprise. She asks how Violet is, and Violet says, daddy’s team won the softball game. Anna congratulates Finn, and says she was just on her way out. Finn says, Violet’s excited about coming over for afternoon tea this Saturday, and Anna says she’s going to make some scones; it will be great. She gives Violet a kiss, and leaves. Outside, Joey Novak sits with his cronies, being loud. Elizabeth tells Violet, victory milkshakes are on her.

Jason does pushups in the boxing ring, and Spinelli calls. Jason says, Joey Novak approached Josslyn… No, she’s fine. He just needs to have a talk with this guy. Can Spinelli fine out where he is right away? Obrecht approaches the ring, dressed like a spy from a James Bond film, and asks if Jason is plotting an assassination, or is he busy arranging his upcoming nuptials? He tries to leave the ring, but she steps in front of him and says, nein. He will not get away free and clear this time. He was with her Britta at the most vulnerable moment of her life. She gets in the ring, and says, then he abandoned her for his best friend’s widow. What kind of man is he?

Jason tries to get past her, but that’s not happening. She says her daughter trusted him with her heart. She trusted him with her life. More important, Obrecht trusted him with Britt’s heart and life. Her Britta might be jaded, but next to Obrecht, she’s Heidi the something-I-don’t-catch maiden. He says he doesn’t… and she says, Heidi the orphan girl. She swears, he’s as illiterate as he is inconsiderate. He’s one of only three people who knows Britt has the genetic marker for Huntington’s, and when she needed him, he walked away. He says he knows. He let her down.

Violet says, the game was so fun. For a while, she thought their team was going to lose. Finn says, they were all worried they were going to lose, and Elizabeth says, Violet’s daddy really gave his all today. She couldn’t believe it when he stole third. Finn says having his daughter there to cheer him on really inspired him, and they clink milkshake glasses. A woman comes in, and says, Violet, is that you? Doesn’t Violet know her? She’s grandma. Violet runs to her and hugs her. Finn and Elizabeth look at each other like, whaaat?

Carly tells Jax, Josslyn is their daughter, not just his. He asks if she’s sure, because he’s the only one acting like a parent. She says he needs to calm down and back off, and he says, he needs to back off? She painted a target on Josslyn’s back, and he’s the one who needs to back off? Carly says she didn’t paint a target on Josslyn’s back; it’s the first time she’s been approached. He says, it better be the last, and she says, it will be. He says, good. Josslyn should never be put in the position where a rival crime family can threaten Carly by approaching her. Carly says she’s handling it, and he says, of course (🍷) she is. She is the head of the Corinthos Organization.

Shawn sits with Ava, and she asks if he regrets giving up years of his life for Sonny, only to be released after Sonny is no longer around to reward him? He says he can live with the decisions he’s made. Can she say the same? She says, touché, and asks if he’s there to get marching orders from the belle of the mafia, Carly. He says he doesn’t work for Carly; his choice. She says, in that case, she has a proposition for him. She needs a man.

Alexis says, Ryan is as locked in as ever, but there’s something she finds troubling. He has an aid who’s been helping him write letters. Sam says she thought his condition had him locked off from the rest of the world. How’s he even communicating? Alexis says, with his eyes; he blinks. She saw him dictate a letter that way. An excruciatingly slow process, but psychopaths are notoriously patient, and he’s got nothing but time, right? She was wondering if he’s abetting Ava’s stalker or actually is the stalker by proxy and using these coded messages through his writing. Nikolas says, anything is possible with that guy. They need to talk to his aide. Alexis says, one more thing. His aide, they know her. Sam asks, who is it? and Alexis says, there she is now. They see Harmony dealing with a patient.

Carly says she had to step up after Sonny died, and Jax says, had to? He hears, chose to. I wonder if Carly shouldn’t be wearing some foundational support with that dress, and she says it was the only way to protect her family. He says, that’s the biggest lie right there. If she’d walked away from Sonny’s business after he died, there would be nothing to protect them from. She says, that’s not how it works. It’s really easy for him to judge a complicated situation he knows nothing about. He says he knows his daughter – sorry, their daughter – is in danger because Carly is determined to hold on to Sonny’s territory. Just like he knows her marrying Jason is a business arrangement.

Laura tells Dante, Lulu’s doctors were very direct. They’ve been caring for her for eight months, and there’s been no improvement. He asks if she’s thought about looking at medicine beyond Western medicine; some kind of alternative medicine? She says she has, but it hasn’t produced any results. He says he doesn’t get it. She’s young, she’s healthy; there’s got to be something they can do. She says she’ll never give up on Lulu, but she’s given this a lot of thought, all the way back to Port Charles, and she thinks giving up isn’t the same as moving on.

Shawn says he’s listening, and Ava asks if he’s heard about the troubles she’s been having. He says he knows she and her husband are getting a divorce, but she says, a stalker. He says he also heard she had some trouble at the gallery, and she says, that was one incident of many. That’s why she needs a bodyguard. He looks at a guy lying on a lounge chair, and says, it seems she already has one; he can tell when someone’s carrying. She says, he works for Nikolas, and she has to make it perfectly clear that she’s cut all ties with Nikolas. He says, she needs to prove that o her stalker? and she says, yes. Sadly, it’s necessary, so she needs to hire her own protection. She was impressed with him back in the day. He says he didn’t think she liked him very much, and she says, he worked for Sonny. It was the competition, and his competence made her life difficult. She’s been out of the game for quite a while now, and so has he. They woudn’t have any conflicts of interest; they’d be on the same side. So what does he say? Will he protect her? She bats her eyelashes, and he laughs.

Nikolas says, isn’t that Shiloh’s disciple from Dawn of Day, who drugged Kristina? Sam says, Harmony. She actually flipped on Shiloh, and helped get him convicted. Alexis says, after aiding and abetting him for years. Nikolas says, maybe Ryan doesn’t need to send letters to the stalker. Maybe it’s someone he sees every day. He goes over to Harmony, and says they haven’t met, but he’s Nikolas Cassadine. She knows his cousin Sam. Harmony says hello to Sam, and he says it’s his understanding that she works for Ryan Chamberlain. She says, not exactly. She works for the Department of Corrections as a health aid at this facility. Mr. Chamberlain is one of several inmates she assists. Nikolas asks if her duties include doing Ryan’s dirty work, and Sam says, Nikolas. He says, just answer the question, and Harmony says, which is? He says, someone has been using Ryan’s playbook, including recordings of his voice to stalk and threaten his wife, so if she was involved in any way, it’s in her best interest to come clean right now.

Finn says he didn’t know Naomie was planning to visit, and she apologizes for the lack of advance notice, but she just couldn’t wait to see her granddaughter. He says she couldn’t call, text, or shoot off an email? and she tells him, you know what they say about hindsight. She says hello to Elizabeth, who barely responds, and says, Violet looks so much like her mother. Violet asks, where’s mommy?

Obrecht says she must hand it to Herr Morgan. His façade of quiet concern for her Britta, fooled even her, and she lowered her guard, letting him in. He says he hasn’t broken that confidence, and she says he only broke her Britta’s heart. Tell her, was everything they discussed that day a lie, or is his sole redeeming trait that he made sure Peter August’s absence continued? Anna has come in during the conversation, and has been listening. She asks what’s going on, but Jason gets a text, and jets while he can.

Obrecht puts on gloves, and Anna say she didn’t know Obrecht boxed. She says she doesn’t; she just likes to hit things. Anna says Obrecht proved that at the Rage Room, and Obrecht says Anna was pretty good herself. She could use a spotter. Anna holds the bag as Obrecht punches, and Obrecht says, Jason Morgan is lucky there’s no sledgehammer available today. Anna says, not to undermine her righteous anger at Jason, but Obrecht does realize he was just humoring her by listening to her tirade? Obrecht says, of course (🍷) she knows that. Despite his many glaring faults, he’s a chivalrous person. Perhaps he thought listening to her tirade was a way of paying penance for failing Britta. Anna says, perhaps. He doesn’t normally let people down. Obrecht says, then there really is a first time for everything. Anna asks what this has to do with Peter, and Obrecht says she thought, or at least hoped, that Jason played a role in Peter’s disappearance, which would mean Peter is six feet under the Pine Barrens where he’s no longer a trouble to anyone. Obrecht makes one last punch, and goes to towel down. She says she heard on the news that Anna is working with local investigators to locate Peter, and Anna says they’re sharing information. Obrecht says, perhaps in the spirit of generosity, Anna wants to share what the investigation has uncovered. Anna says, nein, and Obrecht says, no need to say anything now. Her inability to bring Peter to justice has taken it’s toll. So – she shoves the gloves at Anna – it’s her turn.

Shawn tells Ava that he’s not for hire anymore. He already has a job; finding the person who shot Hayden. She says someone hired him to investigate a cold case? but he says he’s working for himself now. She says, a noble pursuit, and she sees why he’d want to do it, but so much time has passed. He says, a cold trail is still a trail. Whoever did this needs to pay for what they did to Hayden, and him.

Harmony says she knows some people – Nikolas’s aunt among them – still think Ryan is dangerous. Sam says, Ryan is dangerous, and Harmony says, maybe before he was locked in. Sam says, as long as Ryan can communicate in any way – hell, as long as he’s breathing – Ryan Chamberlain is a threat. Nikolas asks how they know Harmony isn’t following his orders. She has access to him, and he communicates through her. Harmony says, it’s not telepathy. She points to letters on a board, and he blinks to let her know which ones he wants her to wrote down. Nikolas asks if Ryan is dictating letters or issuing instructions, and she says, okay. She’s sorry for whatever happened in his life that’s made him so afraid, but she’s there to assist Ryan with his comfort and correspondence. She’s not doing anyone’s bidding outside of this facility. Sam says, they’re supposed to take her word for that after everything Harmony did to her, and especially her little sister? Harmony says she can’t apologize enough for what she did. She was literally brainwashed, but she’s not anymore. What she is, is on parole, and she has no intention of going back to prison. She’s trying to turn her life around. Sam says she actually believes Harmony. From someone who’s also on parole, she knows where Harmony is coming from. Can Harmony at least tell them how long she’s been working with Ryan? Harmony says, a few weeks, and Alexis says, the stalker’s threats were going on long before that. Nikolas asks who he writes to, and Harmony says, lots of people; she doesn’t remember their names. Most of them don’t write back. In fact, most of the letters are returned unopened. Sam asks if the letters are at Spring Ridge, and Harmony says, yeah, but their harmless. There are no threats, there’s nothing unusual. They’re screened before they’re mailed. Nikolas says, maybe Ryan’s sending coded messages, and Alexis says, it woudn’t be the first time. Nikolas asks to see the letters.

Carly tells Jax, if she’s marrying Jason for love, business, or because she has nothing better to do on Thursday, that’s her business, not his. He says, that’s funny, because the last time he checked, where Josslyn’s safety is concerned, that is his business. He says, never mind. Just tell him what this incident with the Novak family actually means. Carly says, it wasn’t the Novak family, just one rogue idiot named Joey Novak.

Joey peeps into Kelly’s window, looking like a creeper, and Violet asks if her mommy is with Naomie. Naomie says she’s sorry, but no, and Elizabeth says Violet must be sticky from her milkshake, and suggests they get her cleaned up. They go to the bathroom, and Finn asks what the hell Naomie was thinking. She says, regarding? and he says, just stopping in like this after ignoring Violet for a year. She says she was in Europe, and he asks, what was the guy’s name? She says, what does it matter? It didn’t work out. Now all she wants is her family around her, and since she doesn’t know where her daughter is, that means her granddaughter. He doesn’t think that’s a good idea, but she says, please. Let her make it up to Violet. She’s begging him. Don’t punish her for her daughter’s mistakes. Finn asks what that’s supposed to mean.

Outside Kelly’s, one of Joey’s cronies asks why they’re hanging around; there’s no action here. Joey says, there’s about to be, and gets up. Jason walks up, and Joey says, took him long enough. If I were Jason, I’d grab Joey by the ear, and bring him to his uncle.

Harmony says she can’t let them see the letters. Ryan still has a right to privacy, never mind that they’re someone else’s letters, and that’s illegal. Alexis says, mail theft. It’s a Federal crime that carries a maximum sentence of five years. Nikolas says, then he won’t get caught, and Harmony says, he won’t, because he’s not getting anywhere near those letters. Nikolas asks if she did any research. Does she have any idea what Ryan’s done? She says she’s aware, and Nikolas says, if there’s any chance Ryan is sending coded messages, and continuing to torment people, how can she let that continue? She says, because she can’t lose her job, and she can’t do more time. She’s sorry.

Shawn brings Ava a drink, and she says, now that he’s back out in the world, where is he staying? He says, TJ and Molly, and Alexis’s house, and she says, that’s great. She hopes he and TJ are making up for lost time, but he says, TJ and Molly are so busy, they’re hardly ever there. In the meantime, he’s looking for his own place. She says she can understand that. She has to ask. Now that he’s a free man, and she’s a free woman, him and Jordan? He says, that’s the past, and she says she thought they were pretty serious before he went to Pentenville. He says, before he found out Jordan was a DEA agent, or TJ was his son? She says, sometimes a fresh start is best, and toasts to fresh starts. They clink glasses.

As Anna punches the bag, she says, Obrecht knows she can’t share information from an ongoing investigation with her, but Obrecht doesn’t see why not. She’s hardly a stranger to the case. Did her family not suffer because of Peter? Anna says, yeah, and Obrecht says, was Nathan not killed because Peter lured Faison to Port Charles? Maxie was terrorized, and her baby kidnapped on Peter’s orders. Anna says she agrees with Obrecht; Peter has a long reach. Obrecht says, how disappointing to hear her speak of him in the present tense.

Dante asks if Laura has been talking to his mother, and Laura says, about what? He says, about what’s going on with Lulu. He guesses Olivia is just worried about him. Between being a cop and being a dad, and these visits with Lulu, she thinks he might be a little stuck in limbo. Laura asks if that’s how he feels too, and he says he didn’t think about it until Olivia brought it up. Laura says, now that she has? and he says, life is busy. With Rocco and being back on the force, he’s got a full plate. She says, but? and he says, there are things he could have in his life beyond being a cop and being a dad, and he doesn’t want to run anymore. He never stopped loving Lulu. She says she knows, but she doesn’t expect him to wait for her.

Carly says she’s texting Jax the contact information for Josslyn’s bodyguard, and Jax says, fantastic. A bodyguard. What every college freshman dreams of. Carly says, Devon is discreet, and he looks young, so he’ll blend in on campus. He says she just got him thinking. His daughter’s first year of college, having someone there to look out for her might not be such a bad idea. She says, Cameron will be there too, and Trina. He says, Josslyn’s been through a lot. Having two good friends there is fantastic.

Finn asks what Naomie means by Hayden’s mistakes, and she says, abandoning Violet of course (🍷). He asks if she’s sure she doesn’t know where Hayden is, and she says she only wishes she did. Now will he give her a chance to reconnect with her granddaughter? Violet and Elizabeth come back out, and Violet asks if Naomie is staying, Finn says, grandma has to go, but they’ll see about setting up a playdate in the future. Violet says they can have a tea party, and Naomie says she’d like nothing more. She’s staying at the Woodbridge Motel until she finds a more permanent place. Finn says, she’s moving to Port Charles? and Elizabeth says, permanently? Naomie says she’s wasted too much of her granddaughter’s life already. She doesn’t want to waste another second. She sends Finn her number, and says she hopes he calls soon. He says, like he told her, they’ll figure something out. Naomie says she’ll see Violet soon and leaves. No hug, no anything, which is really weird. Elizabeth says, what was that?

Jason tells Joey that he crossed the line when he spoke to Josslyn Jax. Joey says he doesn’t know; she seemed receptive. (Another clueless man!) He says, a pretty girl like that, and Jason steps closer. He says, further contact with Josslyn will result in full retaliation. Joey asks if this is coming from him or from Mrs. Corinthos. She’s the one in charge, right? Jason says Joey is in over his head, making trouble nobody wants, not even his own family. His uncle will not tolerate this show of disrespect, and neither will the other families. Joey literally snorts, and says he’ll take his chances. He walks off, the rest of his idiots following.

Laura says she prays for Lulu’s recovery every day and always will, but she knows her daughter, and knows Lulu wouldn’t want her to put her life on hold just to sit by her bedside every day. Lulu wouldn’t want that for him either. Every day they get to be in the world, laughing, crying, watching the sunrise; they are all precious, and she knows Lulu would want him to live them to the fullest. For Rocco too, because Dante has to show him how. Dante knows Laura is right, and Lulu would be okay with whatever changes may come… She asks if he’s met someone.

Sam hugs Alexis goodbye, saying she has to pick up something for her kids. The next time she won’t bring Nikolas’s problems with her. He says he heard that, and she says she meant for him to hear it. Next time he wants to question someone, go away and let her do it. Nikolas says, pity she has to go, and Alexis tells them to quit it. Kiss the kids, and get a brownie at Kelly’s; tell them it’s from her. Sam leaves, and Alexis tells Nikolas it’s too bad they couldn’t get through to Harmony. He says, maybe Sam was right and he pushed too hard, and Alexis says, she was and he did. But she understands why it’s important to him. He says, the only way to stop the divorce is to identify the stalker, and prove there’s no longer a threat. Harmony comes in with a stack of files and sets them on the table. She says, dammit. She hopes she doesn’t accidentally misplace Ryan’s file with those letters in it. She’ll just come back and look for them in about 20 minutes. She leaves, leaving Ryan’s file behind.

Shawn tells Ava that he’s sorry about Kiki. He sees her face, and says he didn’t mean to upset her, but she says, it’s okay. She’ll take any reminder. He says, and Avery? and Ava says, she’s perfect. She’s wonderful. She’s a delightful little chatterbox, always has been. She misses her dad, of course (🍷). Right now she’s staying with Carly, since Ava doesn’t think it’s safe for Avery to be with her. He says she really thinks the stalker would hurt Avery? and she says, yes. He broke into their hotel suite, and left a teddy bear for her to find; a bear with Ryan Chamberlain’s voice. He says, that’s messed up, and she says, it’s very messed up. She can’t forget it. Avery standing there with an unfamiliar toy with an unmistakable voice.

Finn puts headphones on Violet, and sets her up with an activity book. Elizabeth asks if Naomie said anything about Hayden, and Finn says, only that she doesn’t know where Hayden is. Elizabeth wonders how much contact Naomie should have with Violet, and he says he’s just worried it will make Violet miss her mother more, and ask more questions that he doesn’t know the answers to. How does he explain Hayden’s absence when he doesn’t understand it himself?

Anna says, one usually refers to the subject of a manhunt in the present tense, and Obrecht asks if she’s saying it wasn’t Peter’s body that had law enforcement crawling in the basements and subbasements of GH. Anna tells her, she can say this, if Peter were dead, she’d tell Maxie right away. She couldn’t allow Maxie to continue to be in fear of her life. Obrecht says she’ll continue to hope Peter has been dispatched, but until they know for sure, they must all be on their guard. Peter is his father’s son, and she and Anna know better than anyone how people underestimated Faison. They would assume he was dead, only to meet their own demise. Anna says she won’t believe Peter’s dead until she sees his body herself.

Anna and Obrecht sit on a bench near the ring, sipping drinks from Kelly’s, agreeing that they’re refreshing. Anna says, they could do with a smoothie bar, and Obrecht says, or a water fountain. As for Kelly’s, their attempt at schnitzel was an attempt at sadness. It’s good to know they can get something right. Anna says, despite their differences, she doesn’t think anyone understands their aggression the way they do. Obrecht says, in the meantime, she looks forward to Peter’s capture… or death. She’s partial to the latter. May it be slow, excruciating, and final.

Finn packs up Violet’s stuff at Kelly’s, and Violet says, now that grandma’s back, maybe she can take her to see mommy. He says, we’ll see, and she says, that means no, doesn’t it? Elizabeth pays the check, and Sam comes in. She says she was going to call Sam, and Sam asks what she did this time. Elizabeth says, yesterday, Sam asked her about Hayden. Guess who showed up in town today? Her mother, Naomie Dreyfuss.

Dante says he’s not seeing anyone, and Laura says, don’t panic. She’s not there to give him the third degree. Besides, she thinks Olivia probably has that one covered. He says, she does. He thinks she should be recruited for the PCPD because if she doesn’t badger a confession out of a perp, she can coax it out of them with her ziti. Laura says if he needs mayoral approval, he’s got it. When he starts dating again – and he will – she doesn’t want him to feel he needs to hide it from her. She considers him a part of her family; he’ll always be a part of her family. All she wants for him is his happiness.

Carly says, so both she and Jax are going to PCU’s Parents Week? and he says, them, and her security team. She tells him to give it a rest, when there’s a knock at the door. She says, come in, and Jason asks if she’s got a minute. Jax asks if Jason knows Josslyn was approached by Joey Novak today. Did he handle it? Jason says he did, and Carly says they can talk about Parents Week another time. Jax says he can see the happy couple wants to whisper sweet battle plans into each other’s ears, and Carly says he needs to let it go. He says he doesn’t think he will, and leaves. Jason closes the door, and Carly asks, what’s going on? He says, something’s up. Joey was way too confident when he confronted him about Josslyn. She says, confident how? and he says, when he told Joey that his uncle and the other families woudn’t tolerate this show of disrespect, he laughed it off. She asks if he thinks Joey has allies, and he says, could be. Let’s go. They leave and Jax watches.

Shawn tells Ava, this was actually quite pleasant, and she says he doesn’t have to sound so surprised. He says he’s not. He tells her to take care of herself, and leaves. His phone rings, and it’s Sam, who says she just got some very interesting news. Hayden’s mother is in town.

Ava calls Avery and asks, how was her day?… She misses her too. So much.

Nikolas and Alexis go through the letters, and Nikolas says, Seattle, Chicago, Milwaukee, Chicago again, Venezuela, Russia… It’s mostly university professors and psychiatrists. She says, offering his medical expertise on mental health. When she  thinks of the arrogance… She stops, and he says, what is it? She shows him an envelope addressed to Spencer in France.

On Monday, Scotty wonders if they’re about to get rich, Austin thinks he has a way to turn this long shot into a sure thing, and Alexis says, no need to panic.

Million Dollar Listing New York

Steve talked about how much he loved living in the apartment in Chelsea; it was where they brought Rose home and became a family. He’d convinced the owners to let him sell apartments there, and done well, so he asked for more apartments. He’d been given two 3 bedroom apartments and one 4 bedroom. They were harder to sell, so he actually put on a suit, which was rare. First up was a 3 bedroom, 4 bath, just under 3000 square feet, going for $7.450 million. Steve said the building was a piece of art in architecture, and I had to agree. It was designed by Zaha Hadid, a Pulitzer Prize winning architect, who, sadly, had passed away. The coolest thing about it was the glass curtain wall construction with hand-hammered steel, which was a constant photo op for people passing by. Amenities included a 75’ skylit pool, a spa suite that could be booked privately, a kids innovation lab that I would have loved to play in. In Steve’s interview, he said he could show the amenities with passion and pride since he knew what it was like to live there. There was a private IMAX theater, and an automated parking garage, although the garage was a little pricey, costing around another $500K for a spot. But if you’ve ever had to park in NYC, you might actually think that was worth it. In his interview, Steve said the building was amazing, but there was a lot of inventory on the market, so he had his work cut out for him.

Ryan’s Australian buyer James had been shown a million place, but none of them hit home for him. Really? Ryan was super frustrated, and I didn’t get WTF this guy wanted either. All the showings were being done virtually, and since James didn’t even know the city, he was an ignoramus. In Ryan’s interview, he wanted to sell an apartment on the other side of the world without the client actually being there, since it would be a major achievement.

Meanwhile, KJ was in Switzerland with her family, visiting her in-laws. While she was there, good friend Giovanni called he about selling one of his assets in Tribeca. He’d been renting it at $30K a month, but the tenants were moving, and Giovanni thought it was time to sell and invest in something new. Because of travel restrictions, Giovanni couldn’t travel from Italy, but agreed to have mutual friend Jacopo show her around. The apartment had been KJ’s first big sale for $3.6 million in 2012. It had been a foreclosure and took a year of negotiations. It had made her feel like a badass broker. The apartment was gorgeous (like there are ugly ones on this show), 3652 square feet, 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, and 10½’ ceilings. It was the old Sugarloaf building, built in 1882, which had been converted into condos in 1992, and housed a lot of celebrities, like Orlando Bloom, Taylor Swift, and the Olsen Twins. Although it had been renovated, a lot of original details remained, like cast iron columns. In her interview, KJ said those details equaled dollars. Jacopo thought KJ could bring in $10 million, but she thought that was a little ambitious for the market. She was thinking along the lines of $9.4, but Jacopo said Giovanni didn’t need to sell, and would rent again until the market improved if he couldn’t get the price he wanted. She had a two-week window to sell, which she said in her interview, was nearly impossible. The potential commission was $300K, and KJ said, it would be like closing the circle.

Ryan had a place on Fifth Avenue and 59th Street that he thought would be perfect for James, and checked all the boxes. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, all on one level, a full-service building, and within James’s budget. He met with the seller’s rep Michelle, and noted the spectacular views (he was not kidding about that – they were to die for) and beautiful finishes. In his interview, he said you couldn’t get more NYC than being on Fifth Avenue. He got James and broker Sammi on separate phones to give the tour. The apartment was 1554 square feet and 10’ ceilings for $3.950. James said it was just what he was looking for, and they were almost there. He wanted something bigger. Michelle said she did have something bigger, but it was in the mid sixes, so a different price point. I had the feeling there was just no pleasing this jerk. In Ryan’s interview, he said it was called the upsell. You thought he didn’t have any more listings in his pockets? That’s what he had pockets for. The other apartment had the same views, but was 1954 square feet, had 2.5 baths, was on a higher floor with 11’ ceilings, and priced at $6.725 million. Ryan said he’d have to invent new boxes for James to find more to check. James whined that it was hard to tell what you could fit without it being furnished, and Ryan was like, really? James said, spot on, mate, but still made no commitment, saying he’d get back to Ryan after he and Sammi had a chat.

Emelia brought Zena over to Steve’s for a playdate with Rose, since the girls were besties now. Steve told Zena that she had better style than her father in her sweet bunny outfit. Ryan thought he might have some buyers for the 4 bedroom, but wanted to check it out himself first, so they were killing two birds with one stone. As apartments had gone down in price, Steve’s had been $12 million, but now the same one upstairs was going for $8.995 million. Steve showed Ryan around his own place, and his closet was pretty amusing with a clothes rack where 50 of the same white T-shirts were hanging. Ryan thought if the price was right, the upstairs apartment would work for his clients. He thought Chelsea was the perfect neighborhood for a family new to NYC.

KJ was busting her ass looking for buyers, but had no offers yet. She told Jacopo that it was against odds, but she was hopeful for the weekend. In her interview, she said it would mean a lot to her to sell it the second time around. KJ had several showings, including a virtual one with an Italian architect who was looking for a second home, but she said the market was speaking loud and clear, and confirming what she thought – it was overpriced.

Ryan had good news and bad news for James. The apartment he’d liked had been sold. In Ryan’s interview, he said someone had literally swooped in and bought it, which sucked, since it was the only one James showed real interest in. The good news was that there was another off-market apartment available. It was the same exact layout and footage, but on the 46th floor (the other had been on the 50th), and on the opposite side of the building. The original price was $6.7 million, and had been dropped to $6.1 million, but Ryan thought he could get it down the mid fives. James wanted to see the view, but Ryan said there was no time. There was already a potential buyer who hadn’t pulled the trigger, but was in conversation. By the time he was able to show it to James, it would already be too late. This sloth of an Australian was literally learning the meaning of the American phrase, you snooze, you lose. Still, he said he’d need to see the floorplans and have a chat with Sammi before submitting an offer. In his interview, Ryan said James needed to act quickly or he’d lose this one too. He got on the phones with James and Sammi, and James suggested starting with 30% off the original asking price, which was $4.750 million. I literally laughed out loud. In Ryan’s interview, he said, while it could sometimes be bad giving a low offer when other buyers were already bidding, he didn’t know what the other offers were, and at least James’s foot was in the door. He sent Michelle the offer, which she said was too low, but $5.5 million would get the deal done. Since James seems to have a brain issue, he offered $5 million, to which Michelle said if he didn’t come up, they were going with the other buyer. Back on the phones, Sammi suggested $5.2 million, and Ryan said he was like the United Nations of real estate right now. Ryan put in the offer, and told James and Sammi that they’d pushed, and he was sorry, but James would have to buy a condo in NYC for $5.2 million. In his interview, he said, this was the future of real estate, selling anywhere, and it felt good.

Next time, an apartment 900 feet in the air selling for $29 million, and Ryan calls one of Fredrik’s clients directly

Photo

Steve’s Chelsea Building

📽 Could Be Worse…

At least he died doing what he loved.

https://ew.com/tv/general-hospital-jay-pickett-dies-movie-set/

🍽 Drama Be Damned…

No matter the drama, you still gotta eat.

https://pagesix.com/2021/08/03/ramona-singer-eboni-k-williams-have-dinner-amid-rhony-drama/

👠 And This Is Just the Beginning…

Speaking of Wives drama, the latest Erika news.

https://pagesix.com/2021/08/05/erika-jayne-accuses-garcelle-beauvais-of-betraying-her/

https://pagesix.com/2021/08/05/erika-jayne-feels-bravo-pulled-a-fast-one-with-garcelle-spat/

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/30/erika-jaynes-inconsistent-statements-from-rhobh-to-be-used-in-court/

🔧 David’s Condition…

These kids have a shrink already, right?

David Beador Allows Daughters to Film RHOC Under This One Condition After Producers Step in, Plus Shannon Beador Shares Why Ex Wanted to Block Kids From Show

⚰️ Bring Out Your Dead…

What’s going on with Season 11.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-final-season-11-original-story-not-from-comics-producer-denise-huth-the-reapers/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-final-season-11-lauren-cohan-maggie-returns-different-person-denise-huth/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-final-season-11-trailer-live-for-them-fight-survival-alexandria/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-final-season-11-two-new-cast-members-ian-anthony-dale-laurie-fortier/

📬 Quotes of the Week

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde

It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. – Lewis Carroll

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. – Muhammad Ali

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. – Dennis P. Kimbro

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. – Mark Twain

If you can’t laugh at yourself, at least let me do it. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

You’ve been given the innate power to shape your life…but you cannot just speak change, you have to LIVE change. Intent paired with action builds the bridge to success. You can’t just want it; you have to do it, live it…BE it! Success isn’t something you have, it’s something you DO! – Steve Maraboli   

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

When two opposite points of view are expressed with equal intensity, the truth does not necessarily lie exactly halfway between them. It is possible for one side to be simply wrong. – Richard Dawkins

Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar

🛣 Am I There Yet…?

This week has been at least a year long, but hey, there’s another one coming. Regrouping, but until then, stay safe, stay doing things you love, and stay being notoriously patient. It’s not just for psychopaths anymore.

Jul31

July 30, 2021 – Spencer Fake Pleads With Ava, New Lease On Life, Soap Celebration, Happy Birthday, Support, Pushy Countess, Be Better, Possible Ax, New Status, Rumors, Dead Talk, Quotes Tenfold & Hello

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Spencer asks if Ava thinks they can put the past behind them and start fresh. Is it possible they can declare a truce? He holds out his hand, and she hesitates for a moment, but takes it, and they shake. She says she appreciates the offer, but he doesn’t have to worry about forging a relationship with her. She’s out of Nikolas’s life now. He says, it didn’t look that way a little while ago.

Jason comes into the MetroCourt, and asks if Carly is ready to go. She asks if he’s ready for this, and he says, for Wiley’s birthday party? Sure. He managed to get all the gifts in the car. She says, there weren’t that many, and he gives her a face. She says he knows what she’s talking about. This is their first family thing as a couple. He asks if she’s nervous.

Michael knocks at the gatehouse door, and Willow motions him in. He hands her some cellophane tape, and she thanks him, saying, she thought she’d have to break out the masking tape. He says he’s surprised he found any, considering the mounds of presents and all the decorations. She asks if they’re spoiling him, and he says, absolutely, but it’s Wiley’s birthday, so they get a pass. They’ll let him have all his presents and balloons… She says, don’t forget about cupcakes, and he says Wiley reminded him this morning. Now everything’s all set for their birthday boy.

Brook comes in to find Chase messing with some balloons, and says, look at him. She looks around the room, and says, look at this. He says, this is Olivia’s work. He followed her around with a tape dispenser. It is funny how Brook reappeared just when the decorating is finished. She says, timing is everything. She sent Yuri down to help. He says, good thing. He couldn’t help hang the banner for anything. She says, it will happen soon enough, and he says, not soon enough for him. He can’t wait to walk up to Willow, and show her that he’s back.

Shawn meets Sam in the park, and she hands him some coffee. She says she hopes he didn’t mind meeting her there. She had to drop Scout off at Lila’s Kids. He says he loves it outdoors; he can’t get enough of it. She says she’s the same way, and it sure beats the exercise at Pentenville. He asks why she wanted to meet, and she says she’s afraid she has bad news.

There’s a knock at Elizabeth’s door, and she lets in Nikolas, who asks if she’s okay. She sounded stressed on the phone. She mentioned Hayden; has she heard from her? She says, unfortunately, no. He asks, what’s going on? and she says Sam was there, asking about the time Hayden was shot. It made her remember something. He says, dammit. He knew this was going to happen.

Chase tells Brook, Willow is at the gatehouse and he’s upstairs. He doesn’t feel like they can start their life together yet. He’s so sick of this chair; he can’t do anything. She says, excuse me. He’s the one who sang Bailey to sleep, which is more than she can manage, and Bailey loved it. He says, she did seem pretty blissed out, which is puzzling to him since Brook took so long to get her settled. Brook tells him, let it go, and says, this place looks like a birthday party on steroids. They didn’t need her help. Kids Wiley’s age are more interested in the boxes anyway. (Truth!) He bets her 50 bucks it doesn’t hold a candle to the parties she’ll throw for Bailey, and she says, he’s on. They shake, and she says they’ll see if Wiley’s more interested in the gifts or the boxes. Valentin walks in with Austin, and says, look who he found. Brook asks what Austin is doing there.

Elizabeth says, so Nikolas knows what she’s talking about, and he says, Sam spoke to him as well. He told her that he didn’t know where Hayden was, and she should just leave it alone. The last thing he wanted was for Sam to come there and upset Elizabeth with questions about her sister, on top of everything else. She says he’s right; she’s upset. Shawn has spent all those years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Nikolas says, Alexis explained the situation. Of course (🍷) Shawn shouldn’t pay for a crime he didn’t do, but he pled guilty. She says, now that Shawn denied shooting Hayden, it made her wonder, who did? She remembered something Nikolas said back then; something she didn’t want to believe – that he had Hayden shot.

Ava tells Spencer that she and Nikolas plan to keep their divorce civil and drama free, but make no mistake, the marriage is over. He says, let him guess. Father doesn’t agree. She says, well, he knows his father. He wants what he wants, and doesn’t take no for an answer. Spencer says, sounds like him.

Jason asks who Carly is nervous about seeing. Is it Monica? He talked with her, and they went through all the history with AJ… She says she’s not nervous that way; it’s just the transition. All the family things they’ve gone to over the years, they’re now going as a couple. She was talking to Laura last night, and wondering if it’s too soon after Sonny, and how people’s perception might bother her, how it might diminish her love for Sonny, and how it’s hard for her. She knows they have to get married, and she knows it’s the right thing to do, but it’s difficult. He says, they both know why they’re doing this. They made the best choice they could. So now they just have to move forward with it. She says she’s glad he’s in this with her.

Austin hands Brook a wrapped gift, and says he’s there because Michael invited him. He said it was a family celebration. Brook says, it’s just that he’s early, and he tells her, his mother always said, if you’re on time, you’re late. She says, that makes no sense, and he asks if she argues with her mother. She says, all the time, and he asks if she wins. She says, okay, and puts the gift with the others. Chase introduces himself, and Valentin says he should have made the introductions. Sorry about that. Monica comes in, and says she’s glad Austin could make the family celebration. Has he met everybody? Austin says he has, and Valentin says, so it’s true. Austin is a legitimate Quartermaine?

Michael holds his finger in the middle of the ribbon, and Willow makes a bow. I have to say, I’ve never made a bow that way, or seen anyone else do it. She says, and that’s that, and he asks if she’s really okay. She says, sure, and he says she’s going out of her way to make sure Wiley’s birthday celebration is happy and joyful, but he knows this is also the anniversary of her son’s death. He’s been thinking about him too. For the longest time, Michael thought Jonah was his son, so it’s a bittersweet day. She says, this morning when she was putting flowers on Jonah’s grave, the birds were singing so loudly, like they were serenading him. He wishes they could have gone together, and she says, Chase was there. Michael is glad she wasn’t alone, and she says, it was Chase who told her that her baby had died. He held her as that awful truth sunk in, and she grieved. He comforted her, and got her through this unimaginable time in her life, and she’ll always be grateful to him, but she wishes Michael had been with her.

A woman goes to Jonah’s grave, and leaves flowers.

Nicholas says, they both know he didn’t shoot Hayden, and Elizabeth says, no, they don’t both know. She remembers that time in The Floating Rib when she asked him point blank if he’d done it, praying he’d say no, but he didn’t. He said he had Hayden shot to protect her. He says, it was a long time ago; emotions were high. She says, Hayden was blackmailing them for the mess she made with Drew, lying to him to hold on to him. Nikolas says, there was plenty of upheaval back then, but when she was able to catch her breath, and asked him about Hayden again, he came clean. He admitted he’d been lying. Doesn’t she remember?

Sam and Shawn sit on a bench, and Sam says, neither Elizabeth or Nikolas know where Hayden is, or know where to find her. Any progress on finding Hayden’s mother? He says, Naomi Dreyfuss is not returning his calls, and Sam says, they’re back to square one. He says, Curtis told him that he’d check his notes from when he originally worked on the case, but he didn’t sound too encouraging. She says, what did they expect? It’s a six year old case. It’s not impossible to turn up new leads, but it’s going to take some time. They’ll have to find some witnesses and try and jog their memories. The ones that are still alive anyway. He says she’s thinking of Drew. First, his name is Jake Doe, then he’s Jason Morgan, then he turns out to be Jason’s twin Drew Cain, the man Sam married and had a child with. She says, it’s pretty ironic, isn’t it? When Shawn was the one who was supposed to kill him that night.

Spencer says he can see his father is struggling without Ava, which is a real change, considering he’d insisted their marriage was a sham, and the only reason he stayed with Ava was to preserve their family money. No offense. She says, none taken. That was exactly how their marriage started. It was a cold-blooded business arrangement. Then she and Nikolas surprised themselves, falling in love along the way. But the stalker has made it clear he won’t stop as long as they’re together, and she won’t risk Avery’s safety. He says, then she’s adamant about going through with the divorce, and she says, whether Nikolas likes it or not. He says, then why does she keep sending his father mixed signals?

Monica says they’re still waiting for the DNA test results, and Valentin says, so this is a case of keeping your enemies close? She says she doesn’t consider Austin an enemy, and Valentin says, Ned and Michael do. A word to the wise, being a Quartermaine is a study in Darwinism, survival of the fittest. Austin says, he tries to stay reasonably fit, and Valentin says, having an ally helps. Monica says, let her guess. That would be him. Warnings, Austin; warnings all around. Valentin says he knows what it’s like to be an outsider in a powerful family, and Brook says she’s been meaning to speak to Valentin about Bailey, and drags him into the foyer. Monica thanks Chase for taking care of the decorations, and asks if she can get anybody something to drink.

In the foyer, Valentin asks if Brook really wanted to talk to him about something, or did she just want to get him away from Austin? She says, it was a big, fat attempt to stop him from sucking up to that interloper, and he says he thought he was the interloper. She tells him, stop. What he needs to do is back off. If Austin is a real Q, does Valentin really think Austin is going to side with him over his family? He says, we’ll see, and she says, overconfident much? He says he usually gets what he wants, and she says, but not always.

Willow tells Michael that they should get the gifts up to the main house. Wiley will be up from his nap soon, and the guests will be arriving. She holds open a bag, and he says, whatever doesn’t fit, he’ll carry. As they put the gifts in the bag, their hands touch, and Willow pulls away. She says, next year, on Wiley’s birthday, Chase will be walking, and they can be together. He says he’ll wake them up with a puppy, and she says, they’ll all cuddle in the bed; the puppy too. They’ll come down and make birthday pancakes. He says, they’ll see Jonah and hear the birds. They’ll have a birthday celebration with family, and when Wiley’s worn out, they’ll put him and the puppy to bed, and it’s their turn. She says, next year, and he says, next year, and they start kissing.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, she remembers both conversations. The first one weighed on her. Then she remembers calling and asking him to meet her at work. He says, they talked in the stairwell so no one would hear them. We flash back to Elizabeth telling Nikolas that she hasn’t been able to sleep since he told her what he did to Hayden. She never asked him to do that. He says, Hayden is going to be fine. She’s talking. She doesn’t know that Jake is Jason. Elizabeth says, he had her shot, but he says, no, he didn’t. He lied. Shawn confessed that he’s the one who shot Hayden. She asks why would Nikolas say he did it? and he says, it’s stupid. He wanted her to think he’d do anything for her. She asks what she’s supposed to do with that. If he lied, how is she supposed to believe him now? He says, because Shawn confessed. Why would he confess if he’s not guilty? He’s ashamed he lied to her, but he wanted her to love him because he loves her. He sees now that’s not going to happen. In the present, Nikolas says he swallowed his pride and told her the truth. She says, told her the truth, or told her what she wanted to hear? He needs to be honest. They both know Shawn didn’t shoot Hayden. Was it him?

Monica says, Austin has met Chase, and he says he has, and asks where Chase fits in to this Quartermaine puzzle. Chase says he’s Willow’s husband, and Willow is Wiley’s mom. Dr. Quartermaine has been kind enough to let him stay there while he recovers. He tells Monica that he can’t thank her enough, and hopes to be out of there soon, but she tells him that he can stay as long as he wants. She says, Austin is a new doctor on staff at General Hospital. Chase says, that’s great, and Austin says, it is. Monica excuses herself to see if everything is ready, and when she’s gone, Austin slides closer to Chase. He says, from one outsider to another, what does he think about these Quartermaines? Does he have to watch his back like Valentin says?

Valentin says, presently, he has a beautiful new daughter, and he’s the CEO of a company that’s highly profitable, both of which he owes to Brook. She tells him, don’t count your chickens, and he asks if she really thinks the family is going to vote him out. She asks if he thinks he can stop them, and he says he thinks she’s worried he might. He believes she thinks Austin is going to prove himself and side with him, and that’s why she’s watching Austin like a hawk. She asks, who says she’s watching Austin? and Valentin says he does. He can see she’s clearly shaken by that man.

Willow and Michael kiss some more. She starts to walk away, but he pulls her back. Carly knocks at the door, and  Michael and Willow quickly separate. Carly walks in with Jason, and Michael says they were just finishing up with Wiley’s gifts. Carly hugs Willow, saying, she can’t believe Wiley is three. She asks where the birthday boy is, and Willow says, he’s at the main house, probably just waking up from his nap any minute. Carly suggests Michael and Jason take the presents, and she’ll hang out with Willow for a minute. Michael says they can all go together, but Willow tells him to go ahead. Michael and Jason leave with Wiley’s gifts, and Carly asks, what are you two doing?

Brook tells Valentin, she’s not shaken by Austin. As far as she’s concerned, the jury is still out on the guy. Austin delivers Maxie’s baby, and then leaves the crazy nurse to run off with Louise? Valentin says, after being knocked unconscious, and she says, she just wonders if he knows more than he says. He just happens to be hiking at the exact same moment in the exact same place Maxie happens to be having her baby. And then, it just so happens he owns the house where Peter and that crazy henchwoman bring Maxie? Valentin asks if she thinks Austin is involved in Louise’s kidnapping, and she says, she won’t go that far. Let’s just say she’s keeping an eye on the guy.

Chase tells Austin, the Quartermaines have always been good to him. They have strong personalities, but big hearts. Austin says, that’s not their reputation, and Chase says, they’re an intense family. They take some getting used to, but they protect their own and band together when it counts. If Austin’s claim is legit – Austin says, it is – he’ll find his place. He can’t be thin-skinned though. Austin says he’s not afraid of a little bloodletting; he’s a doctor. He asks what Chase does, and Chase says he’s a detective with the PCPD. Austin says, super. Any leads on Maxie’s baby?

Ava tells Spencer that she’s not sending his father mixed signals. She’s been clear that they can’t be together. He says, yet he just saw them in, shall we say, a close moment. She says she didn’t mean for that to happen, and he says, it doesn’t matter what she intends. It matters what she does. She says, excuse me. Didn’t he just approach her requesting a truce? What happened to that olive branch?

Brook asks what they’re talking about, and Austin asks where her better half is. She says, Valentin is feeding Bailey, and Chase says, Austin was just asking about the search for Maxie’s baby, which he can’t talk about. But how lucky was Maxie that he was hiking in the woods when he was? Austin says he’s the lucky one. He’s glad he was there. Maxie did great. The delivery was remarkably simple given the circumstances. It’s only afterwards, that things became problematic, and even then, only for him, because he keeps having this peculiar dream. In the dream, he’s there, and helps Maxie deliver her baby, and gets conked in the head. This is where the peculiar dream gets weird. He keeps hearing these two women talking, which is so weird, because Maxie was alone when he woke up. Chase says, maybe his subconscious heard the fake nurse and Maxie, and Austin says, maybe. Brook looks pretty rattled.

Willow tells Carly that she and Michael are raising Wiley together, that’s all. Carly says she knows her son, and Michael loves her. Is Willow telling her that she doesn’t feel the same? Willow says she couldn’t live with herself if she abandoned Chase when he needed her most, and Carly says, that’s because she’s a kind and loyal person. Carly admires that about her, but sometimes the best of intentions can lead to the worst outcomes. An act of kindness can cause more harm than good. Lord knows, she’s in no position to pass out advice. She’s made more than her share of mistakes, and told more than her share of lies. At the time, she told herself that she had a good reason, and she’s sure Willow does too, but it’s clear she and Jason walked in on something. She’s just glad it was them and not somebody else. Willow has a terrible poker face. It’s almost impossible for Willow to hide her feelings for Michael, and if Carly can see how much she loves him, other people are going to see it too.

Michael wonders if he shouldn’t go back and get Willow; she’s probably being grilled by his mom. Jason says, Willow told him to go, right? and Michael says his mom means well, but… Jason asks if he has something on his mind. They sit at the patio table, and Michael says, Jason knows, right? That he’s in love with Willow. Jason says, okay. Does she feel the same? Michael says, she only married Chase because of his health. They were waiting to tell Chase until he can walk again. He feels happy and guilty at the same time. He never thought he’d be the other man. Jason tells him not to fault himself for having feelings. He has to trust himself. He’ll figure it out, and make the right decision. He never worries about Michael. Michael thanks Jason for his vote of confidence. He knows Jason has his own challenges he’s going through. Jason can always count on him. Jason says he appreciates that. And now, about all these gifts. Michael says he knows it’s crazy, but he’s not going to go overboard all the time. It’s just one day, and the rest of the days, he’s going to take a page out of Jason’s book. He hopes he can give Wiley the same sense of self and confidence Jason gave him when he was little.

Shawn tells Sam, he was wondering when they’d talk about all this; get it out in the open. Yes, he was sent to deal with Drew, but he was Jake Doe back then. nobody knew who he was or what he was up to. He was doing his job. She says, on Sonny’s orders, and he says he’s just glad Jordan made him miss the shot. She says, her too. Or she woudn’t have daughter right now. She’s glad they had a chance to clear that up. Okay. Back to square one. There is some good news. The garage is still there, so she can go back to the scene of the crime. He says, six years later? He guesses… if she wants to take a field trip. She say she knows it’s a long shot, but it’s all they’ve got. He says he’ll do more work on Naomi Dreyfuss, but Sam says maybe it’s best if he doesn’t do this. He just got out of prison. Enjoy his life. Enjoy this park. Doesn’t he want that? Doesn’t he want to start a future and make a life for himself?

Nikolas says he did not have Hayden shot, and Elizabeth says, then who did? If it wasn’t him, and it wasn’t Shawn, who tried to kill her sister?

Ava says, perhaps Spencer is unclear on the concept of truce. Or maybe he’s too angry at her to make one work. He says he’s sorry; he didn’t mean to snap. He’s not angry; he’s afraid for his father. This guy got into Windymere. He must be a criminal genius to get past the security detail. Then he got into their hotel suite. Whoever this guy is, he’s a legitimate threat. Spencer already lived through losing his father once. He doesn’t want to again. Please help him protect his father from himself.

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, they may never know who shot Hayden. She has to remember who Hayden was back then. She arrived in town committing fraud. Ric paid her to encourage Drew to lie about his past. She helped herself to a fortune in diamonds from the profits of her father’s Ponzi scheme. Who knows what enemies were after her, in or out of Port Charles? Elizabeth says, she really believes Hayden wanted a fresh start there. It wasn’t until she had Violet that she turned a corner. He guesses they turned a corner too. She fell in love, and married Franco. He married Ava, and fell in love. She says, happily ever after, at least for a little while… until life got in the way.

Ava says Spencer doesn’t need to worry about his father. This divorce protects him too. As long as they’re apart, the stalker has no reason to pay attention to Nikolas at all. Spencer says he’s glad to hear her say that. Sometimes his father makes rash decisions, and doesn’t understand the consequences. She says she’s doing everything she can to protect her daughter and his father. He says he appreciates it, but the stalker is unpredictable. He heard Trina was doused in fake blood. What if the next time it’s real? She says he doesn’t have to keep reminding her. She knows what’s at stake. He says, then make him understand. Get her feelings out of it, and make his father stop fighting this divorce.  

Willow says, Carly isn’t telling her anything that she doesn’t know in her head already. She doesn’t want to hurt Chase. She truly cares about him, but her heart is with Michael. It’s getting harder and harder to hide those feelings. Carly takes Willow’s hand, and says Willow is in a tough situation. So is Michael. Willow is trying to be generous, and it seems kind and supportive, but the heart’s tricky. It can be selfish and strong-willed, and sometimes there’s no denying or reasoning with it. Hearts are stubborn that way. Willow says she’s never heard it put quite like that, and Carly say she speaks from experience. Willow is Wiley’s mom, and she’s family, and Carly is always there to talk. Willow thanks her, and says she supposes she should splash some water on her face, and Carly says she’ll get out of Willow’s hair. Willow says she’s really happy to be part of Carly’s family. Growing up, all she really wanted was to be accepted and loved for herself, even with her faults. She and her mom never had heart-to-heart talks like this. Carly asks if she means awkward and intrusive. Then she’s come to the right family, since it’s Carly’s specialty. They hug.

Valentin asks Austin how the lawsuit is going, and Austin says, great. He  asks if Austin thinks he’ll win, and Austin says, yeah. He wouldn’t be contesting Edward’s will if he didn’t think he had a legitimate cause. Valentin says they should have lunch. Discuss ELQ under his continued leadership. Austin says he does like lunch.   

Chase tells Brook that he thinks he’s going to lie down for a minute, and wheels himself out. Brook looks at Austin, and says, this is so not good. Monica brings in Michael and Jason, and says they have more guests, and more presents. Michael shakes Austin’s hand, and says he’s glad Austin could make it. Valentin says, right on time. He and Austin were just discussing ELQ and how it’s currently thriving. It’s gutsy to change CEOs; it could affect the bottom line. Michael says, it’s a strong company. One that was already thriving when Valentin took the helm. Monica says, they’re not going to discuss business today, and Michael tells her that he was just making his position clear, so Austin knows where he stands. ELQ is a Quartermaine business that should be run by Quartermaines. Ned is the CEO that ELQ needs, not Valentin.  

Chase wheels himself into another room and closes the door. He unlocks the chair, and says he can do this. He painstakingly lifts himself up.  

Shawn tells Sam, part of him wants to forget all this, and never look back. Then he sees TJ and Molly, full of hope and determination, striving so hard to make a difference in this world. They’re something else. He asks himself what he can do to make a difference. Maybe putting an attempted murderer behind bars instead of letting them get away with it. Sam says, what about him and his fresh start? He says he wants that. He wants to build a better life for himself. Of course (🍷) he wants to connect to his son, and be part of TJ’s life. But first he has to find the person who tried to kill Hayden; he has to. Who knows how many other people he’s hurt?

Elizabeth says, Nikolas is right; she has a lot on her plate right now. She’s glad to get this off of it. She hopes he’s not mad at her for grilling him. She had to know. He says he’s glad he could put her mind to rest where he’s concerned. He’s always there for her if she wants to talk about anything. She thanks him, and he says he thinks it’s best if she puts that painful time behind her. Life goes on, right? She says, right, and hugs him. He leaves, and I get the feeling she’s not buying his story.

Ava says, Spencer is right. She has been holding on to the slightest hope. Maybe even sending mixed signals, and maybe that’s why Nikolas refuses to believe this marriage is over. But that ends now. She and Nikolas don’t even need to speak. They can communicate through their lawyers. Spencer thinks that’s best, and he humbly appreciates it. He’s sorry it’s taken something this drastic for him to see her for who she truly is. She says she’s glad Spencer and his father are on better terms now. Nikolas missed him, and knows he’s glad Spencer is back. Spencer says he is too. He sees he got there just in time. Since I’m hating on Spencer right now, I wonder what such a handsome face is doing with a dad bod, especially at his age. There. I said it.

Monica says they’ve waited long enough for the guest of honor. They need to get the party started. Where is the birthday boy? Willow says, taking an epic nap. She’ll wake him. Carly asks if she can do it. She’ll take all the time she can with her grandson as possible. Willow says, enjoy, and asks where Chase is. Brook says, he decided to rest before the party, and Willow wonders if she should check on him, but Brook says, he’s fine. He’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t worry. He’s fine.

Chase struggles, and finally gets on his feet. He says, yes. How about a step? He takes a step forward. Austin watches.

Willow tells Michael that she’s going to get Chase. He’s resting before the party, but she knows he’ll want to be there when the birthday boy makes his big entrance. On her way to get Wiley, the doorbell rings, and she yells that she’s got it. She opens the door, and says, oh…

I’m guessing the woman at the cemetery? I don’t think it’s Harmony though. Maybe Shiloh’s mom?

On Monday, Jordan asks if Portia and Curtis are a couple now, Stella can’t help but worry it will end up that way, Chase says Willow honestly thought that was a good idea, Nina doesn’t know if it’s a blessing or curse

Million Dollar Listing New York

KJ brought her younger brother Alex to West 95th Street, where there were two apartments she was listing. Built in 1971, the building had gone condo, and an investor had purchase the apartments still occupied by rent stabilized tenants. As they moved, the investor revamped the apartments for buyers. I totally get this, since I lived in an apartment that did the same thing, but went co-op. We eventually bought our apartment for cheap when the investor wanted out. Ha-ha, score one for the tenant. In KJ’s interview, she said they were smaller apartments at lower price points, and she wanted Alex to help her with his digital marketing skills as a millennial. He handled her website and social media accounts. Social media was king, since they weren’t having open houses. They met with the developer, who was also Alex. Despite covid, KJ had already sold an apartment for $770K, another for almost $1.5 million, and yet another for $1.8 million, but there were two 949 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartments with river views, lingering. Alex2 showed her newly added closet space to one of the apartments, but even so, KJ thought they should lower the price of $1.595 million to a post quarantine price point. She thought $1.495 million would get them some bites, as well as new imagery to freshen the listing. Alex2 was amenable, but needed to check with his dad, who was head of the company. In the meantime, KJ was having Alex1 help her develop a TikTok account. In her interview, she said it was like he was speaking another language. She had no idea what young people were talking about. This seemed pretty weird, since it’s not like she’s ancient, but I guess her job and kids keep her pretty busy.

Fredrik and team member Charlé went to Harlem to visit the Ali Forney Center, where they met yet another Alex. Seriously, WTF? A drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth, complete with a disco ball, it had been named after queer youth activist Ali Forney who’d been murdered.  Alex said they did their best to create a fun environment. They also provided homes for LGBTQ+ young people, kicked out because of transphobia and homophobia. Alex3 said LGBTQ+ youth were eight times more likely to be homeless. They were converting the Bea Arthur Residence, left to them in her will, from a rental model to an ownership model, but needed even more space. A private anonymous donor had given them a $4-8 million budget, and they were looking to house 8-20 people in a 4-9 bedroom house with community space and a yard. Fredrik said they’d donate any commission back to the center.

Fredrick and Charlé met Alex3 at Hamilton House in West Harlem, where they were joined by art director Marcia and community developer Jase. This was one fabulous house, with amazing original detailing. Built in 1910, the house was 4796 square feet, and 20 feet wide, which is a thing when you’re in the city. The asking price was $4.5 million, but Fredrik thought he could get it down to $4 million. Marcia said it had a family feel, and Jase said it was truly a home. Everyone thought it was perfect, and Fredrik said it wasn’t about the commission, but helping the kids.

Tyler’s assistant Kemba had quarantined with her bae Evan (thank God his name wasn’t Alex) when they’d only been dating a couple of weeks. His parents were relocating to Florida, and selling a family home on West 87th Street. This was another gorgeous piece of real estate. Built in 1890, it was 5231 square feet, and 18 feet wide. It had 4 floors, 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, 8 gas converted fireplaces, and 2 garden terraces. Among the other fabulous details were hand printed wallpaper, a summer kitchen with high-end appliances, a garden level living room, and a wine cellar literally in the cellar. There was even an original faucet shaped like a dolphin, eventually reproduced for Sherle Wagner, a company founded by Evan’s grandmother. Tyler said Evan knew the history of the house, and that’s what got people excited. Sometimes he made up stories for buyers, but he had the real deal this time. Tyler said one advantage he had was a good relationship with stagers who could help Evan’s parents pack and move what was still in the house. He explained the other houses on the block were either in need of renovation or, if already renovated, in the $10 million range. They needed to find the sweet spot in between, and Tyler suggested $6.995 million, which made his potential commission $209K and change.   

Fredrik and the group from the Forney Center checked out the West 87th Street house, but didn’t feel it had enough space. Fredrik also showed them another house down the block with the asking price of $3.750 million. They met with broker Ronita, who told them the house had been used for an art exhibit, so be prepared for a lot of pieces that had been left behind. Most of it seemed to be sculptures of the bottom half of a female body, or as Fredrik said in his interview, the house had a lot of ass-ets. It was 4500 square feet, and 20 feet wide, 5 bedrooms and 5 baths, but the group thought too much work would have to be put into it. They were still sold on Hamilton House, and in Fredrik’s interview, he said when someone found the perfect house, seeing anything after that just made them love it even more.  

KJ’s plan to increase traffic and get bites for the West 95th Street house was a success using the new pricing and social media push. Buyers were looking for a turnkey property with outdoor space, but as it was a buyer’s market, it was hard to make it stand out when there were a lot of listings in the same price point.

Fredrik was meeting with Alex3 and company at the Hamilton House, and when Alex3 said the donor had pulled out, my mouth literally dropped open. I wondered how anybody could pull the rug out from under a bunch of kids like that. Fredrik had the scathingly brilliant idea to try and negotiate a lease with an option to buy. Alex said the rent had to be equal to what they were paying, which was $12K a month. Outside, Fredrik called broker Ian, explaining the situation, and telling him the seller would get full asking price in 6 months. By the time Fredrik went back inside, Ian was calling back to tell him that the owner loved the center’s work, and gave them the deal. Even I had tears in my eyes.  

Next time, KJ revisits her first big sale, and Ryan and Steve work together. Maybe.

💘 Happy Anniversary…

While GH has its moments, OLTL was always my favorite soap.

Happy Anniversary to ONE LIFE TO LIVE — Relive Four Decades of Drama in Llanview!

🐭 Terry Mouse…

She wears the ears well.

Cassandra James Celebrated at Disneyland — See the Fun Pics!

💫 He Gets It…

Being a champion of mental health is one of the things I love about Maurice Benard.

GH Star Maurice Benard Supports Olympian Simone Biles

🗽 Countess In the City…

Um… no. Just no.  

https://okmagazine.com/p/luann-de-lesseps-pushing-for-kim-cattrall-sex-and-the-city-role/

🏛 A Pandemic State Of Mind…

The best piece of advice he could give is, be better? That’s right up there with just say no.

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/25/rhop-star-robyns-husband-juan-says-be-better/

🐐 Singer Scapegoat…

I doubt it’s all Ramona’s fault if the ratings have dropped.

REPORT: Ramona Singer To Be Fired From RHONY Amid Ratings Drop and Racial Tensions, Plus How Ramona Feels About Alleged Axing

⚖️ And the Award For Most Ridiculous Lawsuit Goes To…

Although I could understand them slapping her with a fine for bad taste in partners.

https://pagesix.com/2021/07/29/braunwyn-windham-burke-claims-she-was-sued-for-kissing-tamra-judge/

🗳 It’s Official…

Now if we can just free Britney.

https://people.com/tv/tom-girardi-conservatorship-made-official-court-major-neurocognitive-disorder/

👶🏼 And the Test Says…

Wow. People sure read a lot into meaningless things.

PHOTO: Is Stassi Schroeder Pregnant Again With 2nd Child? Vanderpump Rules Alum Addresses Rumors After Sharing Pic With Husband Beau Clark

⚰️ Walking Closer…

The beginning of the end starts on August 22.

The Walking Dead Season 11 Trailer Welcomes You to The Commonwealth

The last villain.

https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37176236/the-walking-dead-first-look-pamela-milton/

Spinning off.

https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a37154860/the-walking-dead-spin-off-daryl-carol-hint/

🧧 Quotes of the Week

I’m a werewolf, okay? Let’s not make a big deal of it. Woof. – Carolyn Collins (Chloe Mortiz) Dark Shadows

Trust is like a mirror. You can fix it if it’s broken, but you can still see the crack in that motherf***ing reflection. – Lady Gaga, Telephone video

Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead. – Charles Bukowski

Quitting can be a hard choice to make, but often it’s a brave one, as well. – Susan David

Fried chicken just tends to make you feel better about life. – Minny Jackson (Octavia Spencer), The Help (Agreed.)

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. – Confucius

I am big. It’s the pictures that got small. – Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), Sunset Boulevard

Threats are the resort of the uninspired and impatient. I like to think of myself as persevering and imaginative. – Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober), General Hospital

You cannot change anyone, but you can be the reason someone changes. – Roy T. Bennett

By hero, we tend to mean a heightened man who, more than other men, possesses qualities of courage, loyalty, resourcefulness, charisma, above all, selflessness. He is an example of right behavior; the sort of man who risks his life to protect his society’s values, sacrificing his personal needs for those of the community. – Paul Zweig

🐝 Buzzing Off…

Well, the weekend is here… I think. Are we pandemicking again? Luckily, reality TV and GH march on, so see you in three days. Whatever your pandemical status, stay safe, stay knowing all situations are temporary, and stay enjoying the box as much as what’s inside.